Klotho is a circulating hormone and transmembrane protein that declines significantly with age. Higher endogenous levels are strongly associated with increased lifespan in animals and improved cognition in humans, and it functions by modulating insulin/IGF-1 signaling, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating mineral metabolism.
Verdict
A top-tier future therapy; currently unavailable outside of clinical trials.
HEALTHSPAN IMPACT
High Value
RISK LEVEL
High
EVIDENCE GRADE
C
MONTHLY COST
$10000 - $50000
Protocol
- Currently in clinical trials; no established human healthspan protocol exists.
- Protocols aim to restore circulating Klotho levels to those of a healthy young adult.
Flags
- Not commercially available; currently in clinical trials for specific disease indications.
- Potential for disrupting calcium and phosphate homeostasis due to its interaction with FGF23.
- Long-term effects of supraphysiological Klotho levels in humans are unknown.
- Different forms (soluble, membrane-bound) have different functions, complicating therapeutic development.