Provisional application describes a research platform targeting mitochondrial function, cellular protein cleanup, metabolic balance, inflammation and other pathways associated with biological aging
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., October 14, 2026 — Leonhardt Ventures LLC and Lionheart Health, Inc. today announced the filing of a provisional patent application titled “Bioelectric Modulation of Healthspan Proteins and Regulatory Networks.” The application describes programmable electrical stimulation systems and laboratory methods intended to identify signaling sequences that influence proteins and regulatory networks associated with healthy aging.
The proposed platform seeks to advance healthspan—the years people live with preserved function and independence—by investigating whether precisely controlled bioelectric signals can influence the body’s own molecular processes involved in cellular maintenance, metabolism, tissue resilience and repair.
The application identifies Howard Leonhardt as inventor, Leonhardt Ventures LLC as assignee, and Lionheart Health, Inc. as commercialization licensee.
Investigating Multiple Biological Drivers of Aging
The application addresses 14 named proteins, peptides and regulatory targets, individually and in selected combinations:
- Mitochondrial resilience and metabolic function: GDF15, FGF21, MOTS-c and Humanin.
- Cellular protein cleanup and stress protection: LAMP-2A and HSP70 family proteins.
- Neuropeptide signaling: Neuropeptide S, or NPS.
- Inflammation, fibrosis and tissue remodeling: IL-11 and TIMP1.
- Vascular inflammation and endothelial function: VCAM-1.
- Lipid transport and metabolic health: APOE and ApoB.
- Senescence-associated cellular states: p16INK4a and p21Cip1.
If effective and safe signaling sequences are identified, these research directions could support future approaches to maintaining muscle and metabolic function, improving cellular housekeeping, preserving vascular health, and reducing damaging inflammatory or fibrotic activity.
The approach recognizes that biological aging cannot be addressed simply by increasing every protective protein or decreasing every aging-associated marker. Effects depend on tissue, timing, molecular form and disease context. For example, p16 and p21 also serve protective roles in cell-cycle control; reducing their expression alone would not establish rejuvenation.
Laboratory Program to Identify Effective Signaling Sequences
The next planned phase is laboratory screening to identify reproducible electrical signaling sequences for the selected targets.
The proposed research framework varies waveform frequency, pulse duration, amplitude, exposure time, segment order and rest intervals. Investigators would compare candidate sequences with sham stimulation and evaluate both molecular responses and relevant cellular functions.
Candidate sequences would be assessed for target specificity, reproducibility, cell viability and undesirable effects. An increase in a protein caused by cellular injury—or a decrease caused by loss of viable cells—would not qualify as a favorable response.
The application also describes potential combinations with independently validated Klotho, Sestrin, Sirtuin, AMPK, FOXO3 and mTOR modulation, connecting the proposed research with Leonhardt Ventures’ and Lionheart Health’s broader bioelectric protein-expression programs.
Four Proposed Device Embodiments
The application and accompanying drawings describe embodiments using:
- Lionheart 240 Stimulus™
- Lionheart 240 Portable™
- Lionheart 240 Infinity™
- Lionheart MicroImplant™
These embodiments illustrate laboratory, external tissue-interface and implantable configurations. Implementation would depend on verification of the required device capabilities, delivered electrical dose and biological response.
Research Status
The application describes proposed systems and prospective experiments. Effective signaling sequences for the newly identified targets have not yet been established in the disclosed research, and the filing does not demonstrate clinical benefit, disease treatment or extension of human lifespan.
A provisional application is not an issued patent and does not itself establish enforceable patent rights. Any future clinical applications would require appropriate preclinical studies, clinical validation and applicable regulatory review.
About Leonhardt Ventures LLC
Founded in 1982, Leonhardt Ventures LLC develops technologies in bioelectric stimulation, regenerative medicine and related fields. Its research includes programmable signaling approaches intended to influence selected proteins involved in tissue function, repair and biological aging.
About Lionheart Health Inc
Lionheart Health, Inc., doing business as Lionheart Longevity, develops and commercializes bioelectric and regenerative-health technologies. Its programs span healthspan longevity, regenerative aesthetics and tissue-function research.
Learn more at https://lionheartlongevity.com and https://leonhardtventures.com.
Media inquiries
Howard Leonhardt
Executive Chairman and Co-CEO, Lionheart Health, Inc.
21060 Pacific City Cir 6115
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
https://lionheartlongevity.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements concerning proposed research, potential biological effects, product development and future applications. Actual outcomes may differ materially because of scientific, technical, regulatory, intellectual-property and financing uncertainties. Laboratory research may identify beneficial effects, no effect or adverse effects. No assurance is provided that effective sequences, clinical benefits or patent protection will result.