Miami, Florida — October 5, 2026 — The Second Annual Klotho Conference brought together leading scientists, physicians, biotechnology innovators, investors and members of the longevity community for two days of scientific presentations, discussion and collaboration focused on advancing Klotho research from biological discovery toward responsible human application.
Presented by Klothea BIO and hosted by Healthy Longevity Clinic, the September 18–19 conference examined Klotho’s relationship with aging, brain health, muscle function, kidney and cardiovascular biology, cancer, women’s health and neurological resilience. The program also explored emerging approaches for increasing or delivering Klotho, including gene-based technologies, mRNA, mesenchymal stem cells, encapsulated cell systems, topical applications and devices designed to stimulate endogenous Klotho expression.
A major highlight was the keynote presentation by Dr. Makoto Kuro-o, discoverer of the Klotho gene, who reviewed the scientific foundation of Klotho biology and its potential importance to healthy aging and age-related disease.
Day One: Discovery, Biology and Therapeutic Development
The first day focused on foundational Klotho science and emerging therapeutic strategies. Presentations addressed:
- Alpha-Klotho regulation of muscle health and function
- Klotho’s relationship with cancer
- Klotho KL-VS genetic variants and aging phenotypes
- Klotho’s role in the brain
- Klotho and phosphate regulation
- A human case study involving Klotho mRNA
- Klotho delivery using mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes
- Klotho gene therapy approaches
- Klotho science and women’s health
The day concluded with a reception hosted by Healthy Longevity Clinic, creating opportunities for researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and investors to discuss potential collaborations.
Day Two: Translation and Emerging Applications
The second day concentrated on moving Klotho science closer to practical and clinical applications. Topics included:
- Encapsulated cells designed to produce Klotho continuously
- Klotho’s potential relationship with lifespan, physical well-being and neurological resilience
- Topical Klotho applications
- Devices designed to stimulate endogenous Klotho production
- Results from the Klotho-Up healthspan program
- The transition of Klotho research from laboratory discovery toward clinical investigation
- The interconnected biological processes that may contribute to age-related decline
Howard J. Leonhardt, Executive Chairman and Co-CEO of Lionheart Health and original Klotho Conference organizer, presented his team’s work developing bioelectric devices and software protocols intended to stimulate the body’s endogenous regenerative pathways, including Klotho-related signaling. He also presented results and observations from the company’s Klotho-Up program developed for the XPRIZE Healthspan competition, including its integrated approach to muscle, brain, immune and overall healthspan longevity support.
Bioelectrically enhanced biologics were also presented, including Klotho-expressing encapsulated stem cells, PRF, stromal vascular fraction, Klotho exosomes, Klotho peptides and Klotho nanoflowers. He shared progress in the development of KlothoPod™ I and II, KlothoPatch™ I and II and KlothoImplant™. In a look to the future, he presented the Lionheart Octopus™ internal implantable multi-organ regeneration system and the BioLeonhardt Whole Body Regeneration Chamber, a “womb for adults.”
Data was presented on over 300 patients treated with the BodStim™ Klotho-expressing electrical muscle stimulation suit and Lionheart 240 Stimulus, demonstrating substantial improvements in muscle, brain, immunity, sexual organ, joint, bladder, skin, kidney, vision, breast and hair health.
The conference concluded with a fireside discussion and audience question-and-answer session featuring Dr. George Shapiro and Agustin Fernandez III, followed by closing remarks from Uberto Mondolfi of Healthy Longevity Clinic and a networking gala overlooking Miami.
Key Conference Takeaways
The Second Annual Klotho Conference reflected several important themes:
- Klotho research is expanding beyond kidney and phosphate biology into muscle, brain, cardiovascular, immune and broader aging research.
- Multiple approaches to influencing Klotho biology are now being investigated, including proteins, gene and mRNA technologies, cells, topical formulations and bioelectric devices.
- Translating encouraging laboratory findings into safe, reproducible human outcomes will require carefully designed clinical studies.
- Standardized Klotho testing, consistent outcome measures and longer-term patient follow-up will be important to advancing the field.
- Collaboration among academic researchers, clinicians, biotechnology companies, investors and regulatory specialists will be essential.
- Klotho is emerging as a potentially important component of healthspan research, while substantial scientific and clinical validation remains necessary.
More than 4,720 papers have been published on Klotho to date, and the clear conclusion of this body of work is that if you are low in circulating Klotho, you are likely aging more rapidly than you should and are more susceptible to aging-related ailments of nearly all types earlier in your life.
“The Klotho field is entering an important stage in which discoveries made over decades are beginning to be evaluated through diverse translational approaches,” said original founding conference co-chair Dr. Carmela Abraham. “This conference created a valuable forum for sharing evidence, challenging assumptions and building the collaborations needed to move the field forward responsibly.”
The conference organizers thank the speakers, sponsors, hosts and attendees who contributed to the program, including Klothea BIO, Healthy Longevity Clinic, ADvantage Therapeutics and Lionheart Health, Inc. DBA Lionheart Longevity.
Additional conference information and the complete program are available at KlothoConference.com and on the official conference agenda.
Klotho Conference 2027 will return to the west side of the USA next year for its third annual meeting.