LAS VEGAS, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avaí Bio, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) (“Avaí” or the “Company”), an emerging biotechnology company developing transformative cell-based therapies for diabetes, age-related disorders, and anti-aging, today announced—together with its joint venture partner and global biotechnology firm, Austrianova— a major milestone in the Company’s path to clinical trials, the completion of a Master Cell Bank (MCB) of genetically modified cells that overexpress the α-Klotho protein.
Now, the MCB will undergo comprehensive testing to confirm the absence of pathogenic viruses, as well as standard assays to verify the MCB is free from adventitious agents such as bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi, and yeast to meet regulatory expectations, including those set by the FDA. This testing will be conducted independently by a top-tier, accredited third-party provider, separate from Austrianova, Avaí Bio, and their combined joint venture, Klothonova. Following successful completion, the next step will be the generation of a “Working Cell Bank” (WCB) using α-Klotho protein–overexpressing cells derived from the MCB. These cells will be used to manufacture the final Cell-in-a-Box® encapsulated clinical product.
A Master Cell Bank is a GMP-compliant, fully characterized, and homogeneous collection of vials derived from a single clone. It serves as the critical starting material for the scale-up and production of cell therapies, ensuring product consistency while reducing risk by protecting against contamination, degradation, extraneous agents, and genetic instability. By establishing and maintaining a high-quality MCB as the primary source for all Working Cell Banks under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, Avaí Bio and Austrianova strengthen the foundation for a reliable, scalable, and sustainable supply chain.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in Klothonova’s mission to develop a sustainable, cell-based approach to restoring declining levels of the α-Klotho “longevity protein” associated with aging. The approach is intended to address both general aging1 and age-related conditions, including kidney disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and vascular diseases2.
“We are pleased that this first step in the production phase of α-Klotho producing cells has been successfully completed. We look forward to the completion of the subsequent steps needed to fulfill our commitment to deliver safe, effective treatments for the ever-burgeoning array of aging associated diseases,” said Chris Winter, Chief Executive Officer of Avaí Bio.
Dr Brian Salmons, Chief Executive Officer of Austrianova, added, “The Austrianova team is pleased to have completed the production of the α-Klotho protein expressing cells on behalf of Klothonova, our Joint Venture with Avaí Bio. We look forward to completing the next steps that will culminate with the production of Cell-in-a-Box® encapsulated clinical product for application to patients.”
This milestone represents the most recent progress under the joint venture agreement signed in September 2025, which established Klothonova as a Nevada-based company equally owned by Avaí Bio and Austrianova’s affiliate, SG Austria Pte. Ltd. The joint venture is dedicated to the sustainable production of α-Klotho—often referred to as the “longevity protein”—a key regulatory protein widely recognized for its anti-aging properties and protective effects on multiple organs, delivered through encapsulated cell-based therapies for patients.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/6/507
- https://www.dovepress.com/klotho-protein-a-multifaceted-guardian-of-healthy-aging-and-its-therap-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJN
About Avaí Bio, Inc.
Avaí Bio, Inc. is an emerging biotechnology company focused on identifying genetically modified cell lines, and through joint venture and licensing agreements developing innovative cell-based therapies.
About Austrianova (SGAustria Pte. Ltd.)
Austrianova, based in Singapore, is a leading biotechnology company specializing in cell encapsulation, GMP-grade cell products, and cell line development, backed by over 50 peer-reviewed publications and partnerships with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
More information about Avaí Bio can be found at https://www.avaibio.com
About Austrianova
Austrianova (the SG Austria Group), is a biotech company with a global footprint and operations in Singapore, Thailand, and Germany. Austrianova utilizes a novel and proprietary technology for the encapsulation of living mammalian (Cell-in-a-Box®) and bacterial (Bac-in-a-Box®) cells. Cell-in-a-Box® protects the encapsulated cells from rejection by the immune system, allows cells to be easily transported, stored and implanted at specific sites in patients. The technology, which has been proven safe and efficacious in clinical trials carried out in Europe, allows companies to develop any kind of cells as a one-for-all living pharmaceutical. Bac-in-a-Box® is a similar protective device adapted for encapsulation of probiotic bacteria where it has human food and animal feed applications as well as re-balancing the microbiome due to its ability to extend storage under lyophilized conditions and to protect encapsulated bacteria against destruction by stomach acid.
Austrianova now also offers Pep-in-a-Box encapsulation of enzymes, proteins, and supplements to protect them from stomach acid digestion, as well as GMP4Cells services that include competitively priced Master Cell Bank and Working Cell Bank production and other production services for cell therapy products (such as stem cell therapies and biologics produced from cells, e.g., recombinant proteins, exosomes, etc.).
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding SGAustria (the Company) and its respective businesses. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of each entity. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the Company, including risks affecting the Company, economic factors, and the equity markets generally. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities.
SOURCE Austrianova
Financial Information Contact: pierre.faddoul@square-associates.com
Company and Technology Contact: salmons@sgaustria.com
For more information: http://www.austrianova.com