Klotho Neurosciences has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire select assets from Turn Biotechnologies, a company focused on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and cellular reprogramming. If completed, the acquisition would expand Klotho’s position in longevity therapeutics.
Under the LOI, Klotho would acquire Turn’s ERA (Epigenetic Reprogramming of Age) platform and the eTurna RNA delivery system. These technologies are designed to rejuvenate somatic cells and restore tissue function, with potential applications across dermatology, ophthalmology, immunology, osteoarthritis, muscle health, and neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The agreement also includes a signed out-licensing and co-development partnership with a major South Korean pharmaceutical company, reportedly valued at up to $300 million.
The longevity medicine market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the world’s aging population, which is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. Healthcare costs related to aging are forecasted to exceed $47 trillion by 2030. Klotho aims to address aging at the cellular level as part of its strategy to meet these challenges.
“This LOI marks a transformative step for Klotho,” said Dr. Joseph Sinkule, CEO of Klotho Neurosciences. “The Klotho gene is often referred to as the ‘anti-aging gene,’ first identified for its ability to extend lifespan in animal models and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Our company was founded on translating that science into therapies that combat age-related decline. By adding Turn’s ERA technology — which leverages six RNA molecules, including four of the Yamanaka transcription factors that can reset cellular age — together with the eTurna RNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform, we are expanding beyond a single Klotho gene into a powerful system of cellular rejuvenation. Coupled with Turn’s pharma partnership, this combination demonstrates both the scientific foundation and the commercial interest that position Klotho to pioneer therapies extending healthspan and addressing diseases of aging — from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to skin, muscle, bone, and vision loss.”
If the transaction is completed, Klotho plans to rebrand to reflect its expanded focus and expects to integrate key members of Turn’s management and R&D teams.
Turn Biotechnologies is a pre-clinical company developing RNA-based therapies to repair and rejuvenate tissue at the cellular level. Its ERA platform, developed at Stanford University and licensed exclusively from Stanford, uses the eTurna RNA delivery system. The company has raised over $30 million from investors including Khosla Ventures, Astellas Ventures, Methuselah Foundation, Shanda Group, and Formic Ventures.
Klotho Neurosciences is focused on developing disease-modifying cell and gene therapies using a protein derived from a patented form of the human Klotho gene (s-KL). Its portfolio includes DNA and RNA-based therapeutics and genomics-based diagnostic assays for neurodegenerative and age-related disorders, including ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
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