the klotho conference
Speakers
THE EXPERTS
Meet the Scientists and Innovators Advancing Klotho
Klotho Conference 2026 brings together researchers, physicians, biotechnology innovators and scientific leaders working across Klotho biology, aging, neurological health, regenerative medicine and therapeutic development.
Dr. Makoto Kuro-o
Dr. Makoto Kuro-O is a physician-scientist known for discovering the klotho gene. His research focuses on how Klotho proteins and endocrine FGFs regulate aging, metabolism, and energy homeostasis to develop therapies for age-related diseases.
Agustin Fernandez Santana III
Scientist, Inventor, Biotech Entrepreneur & Founder
Agustin is a molecular biologist, inventor and biotechnology entrepreneur trained in virology and immunology, whose work spans infectious disease, neurodegeneration and longevity science.
Dr. Carmela Abraham
Dr. Carmela Abraham, CSO of ADvantage Therapeutics and Klothea Bio, is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist advancing Klotho-based therapies for Alzheimer’s and MS. Her 30+ years of research have earned awards from NIH and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Pharon (Rahul) Pawa
Pharon (Rahul) Pawa is a biotech scientist and manufacturing specialist with advanced training in genetics and pathology. He holds a First Class Honors B.Sc. in Biomedicine (Genetics) and First Class Honors M.Sc. in Pathology.
Dr. Hagai Ligumsky
Dr. Ligumsky, MD, PhD, is a medical oncology specialist at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, where he specializes in gastrointestinal and genitourinary malignancies, as well as precision oncology. He also conducts translational research.
Dr. Gwendalyn King
Dr. Gwendalyn King is Associate Professor at Creighton University. Her research is on changes that occur in the brain as a result of normal aging and understanding the breakpoints between normal aging and development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Manfred Stangl
Dr. Manfred Stangl, MD, is the CSO of Kyttaro Therapeutics. He is also the head of Renal and Pancreas Transplant Service, LMU Munich. Dr. Stangl has 25+ years of surgical experience and is the recipient of Heinz Maier Leibnitz-Medaille.
Mac Davis
Mac is the Founder and CEO of Minicircle, driving the organization’s long-term vision, trajectory and strategy. A true pioneer in biotech, Mac is intent on pushing the boundaries of medicine and technology to challenge disease and death.
Dr. Steven S. Welc
Dr. Steven Welc, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine. His research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate muscle function and pathophysiology.
Dr. Ira Frahmand
Dr. Ira Frahmand is a senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Her research is geared toward a detailed understanding of the anatomical and functional organization of cognitive processes.
Dr. Gail Humble
Dr. Gail Humble, CEO of Klotho Skin, has 25+ years researching the Klotho gene. She patented methods to upregulate Klotho in stem cells, authored clinical trials, and co-founded Klotho Longevity, competing in the XPRIZE. She is a noted global speaker
Dr. Christian Faul
Dr. Christian Faul is a UAB professor studying FGF and klotho signaling in kidney and heart disease. He founded Alpha Young LLC to develop klotho-based therapies and trains award-winning students in cardiovascular and renal research.
Howard Leonhardt, hPhD
Howard Leonhardt is an inventor with 42+ patents in cardiovascular and regenerative medicine. His innovations have treated 600,000+ patients and power startups in longevity, aesthetics, and age reversal across 124 global wellness clinics.
Dr. Leslie Miller
Dr. Leslie Miller, CMO at Leonhardt Ventures, is a global cardiology expert with 35+ years of experience, 250+ publications, and leadership in 90+ clinical trials. He’s a pioneer in heart failure, stem cell therapy, and cardiovascular regeneration.
Dr. Miguel Chillon
Dr. Miguel Chillon is an ICREA Research Professor at UAB and gene therapy expert. He develops viral vectors and chronokine-based treatments for neurodegeneration and aging, with 85+ publications, 14 patents, and two biotech spin-offs.
Additional Speakers Coming Soon
Join us on September 18-19, 2026
The second annual Klotho conference will bring together virtually leading scientists, drug developers, clinicians, thought leaders, analysts and investors to foster vibrant discussions and debate on the future of Klotho-based therapies and diagnostics.