Avaí Bio and Austrianova Present an Encapsulated-Cell Approach to α-Klotho
At the Second Annual Klotho Conference, the companies described implanted cells, protected inside Austrianova’s Cell-in-a-Box capsules, that are meant to secrete α-Klotho over a long period.
Founding Editor & Reporter
Avaí Bio and Austrianova presented an encapsulated-cell approach to sustained delivery of α-Klotho at the Second Annual Klotho Conference, the companies announced on September 24, 2026.
Prof. Walter H. Günzburg, co-founder and chief technology officer of Austrianova, gave the 20-minute talk in Miami, where the meeting was held September 18–19. He spoke for Avaí Bio, Austrianova, and Klothonova, the joint venture the two companies formed in 2025.
Background
Klothonova is a 50/50 venture applying Austrianova’s Cell-in-a-Box technology to cells engineered to produce α-Klotho. The capsule is meant to hold the cells after implantation so they keep secreting the protein while staying protected from immune attack.
Günzburg said cell encapsulation is intended to turn a living cell line into a durable delivery system, and that Klothonova’s objective is to test whether those cells can supply α-Klotho for longer than repeated doses of the protein itself.
The conference brought together researchers, clinicians, companies, investors, and others in the longevity field to review work translating Klotho biology toward healthspan. It was co-chaired by Carmela R. Abraham and Howard J. Leonhardt. Makoto Kuro-o, who first identified the Klotho gene, gave the keynote.
Where the Program Stands
The work is still preclinical. Avaí Bio and Austrianova have previously reported a GMP master cell bank of genetically modified cells engineered to overexpress α-Klotho, follow-up testing for adventitious agents and viruses, and a working cell bank for further process development.
Günzburg also updated the meeting on development of an encapsulated product based on that α-Klotho-producing cell line. Avaí Bio trades on the OTCQB under the ticker AVAI. Austrianova is based in Singapore and works on cell encapsulation, GMP cell products, and cell-line development.
A recording of the talk is posted at https://youtu.be/zDaeLg8SI2w.
The Presentation at a Glance
- Companies: Avaí Bio, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) and Austrianova
- Joint venture: Klothonova, formed in 2025 as a 50/50 partnership
- Technology: Cell-in-a-Box encapsulated cells engineered to secrete α-Klotho
- Speaker: Walter H. Günzburg, Austrianova co-founder and CTO
- Meeting: Second Annual Klotho Conference, September 18–19, 2026, Miami
- Stage: Preclinical
- Prior manufacturing steps: GMP master cell bank, adventitious-agent and viral testing, working cell bank
Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health.
