This press release can be viewed online at: https://ir.avaibio.com/press-releases/2026/avai-bio-and-austrianova-present-encapsulated-cell-approach-to-sustained-klotho-delivery-at-2026-klotho-conference
Watch Austrianova Founder & CTO, Prof. Walter Gunzburg here: https://youtu.be/zDaeLg8SI2w
Agreement combines Austrianova’s Cell-in-a-Box® technology with San Raffaele Hospital’s stem cell-derived beta cell expertise through a research collaboration with Avaí Bio and Austrianova’s JV Company, Insulinova, aimed at advancing an encapsulated cell therapy for diabetes.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, Sept. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Avaí Bio, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) (“Avaí” or the “Company”), together with joint venture partner Austrianova, today announced that Prof. Walter H. Günzburg presented the companies’ encapsulated-cell approach to sustained α-Klotho delivery at the Second Annual Klotho Conference, held September 18–19 in Miami.
The 20-minute talk outlined how Austrianova’s Cell-in-a-Box® technology is being applied through Klothonova, the 50/50 joint venture formed by Avaí Bio and Austrianova in 2025, to develop implanted, encapsulated cells designed for long-term production of α-Klotho.
Prof. Günzburg, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Austrianova, spoke on behalf of Avaí Bio, Austrianova, and Klothonova. The presentation reviewed what cell encapsulation is intended to provide in this setting: a contained, implantable format designed to support continuous protein secretion while protecting the cells from immune attack. He also updated attendees on Klothonova’s latest development activity around an encapsulated cell product based on the companies’ α-Klotho-producing cell line.
To view Prof. Günzburg’s presentation, visit: https://youtu.be/zDaeLg8SI2w
The program remains preclinical. Avaí Bio and Austrianova have previously reported completion of a GMP master cell bank of genetically modified cells engineered to overexpress α-Klotho, subsequent adventitious-agent and viral testing, and establishment of a working cell bank to support further process development.
“Cell encapsulation is intended to turn a living cell line into a durable delivery system,” Prof. Günzburg said. “Our objective with Klothonova is to evaluate whether encapsulated cells can provide a more sustained source of α-Klotho than repeated dosing of the protein itself.”
The Second Annual Klotho Conference brought together researchers, clinicians, biotechnology companies, investors, and the broader longevity community to review progress in translating Klotho biology toward healthspan applications. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Carmela R. Abraham and Howard J. Leonhardt. Dr. Makoto Kuro-o delivered the keynote address.
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
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.
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