Tokyo Relife Signs Joint Research Agreement on Klotho-Induced Stem Cells with Kyoto University and Gerok

Tokyo Relife Association (Location: Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yoshiaki Furuyama; hereinafter "Tokyo Relife") has concluded a joint research agreement with the Department of Health and Aging Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University (Location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; Representative: Specially Appointed Professor Yoichi Nabeshima) and Gerok Co., Ltd. (Location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; President and CEO: Norio Yamamoto; hereinafter "Gerok").

The purpose of this research is to establish the technical and ethical foundations for the future clinical application of "Klotho-induced stem cells," which are attracting attention in the field of regenerative medicine.

1. Purpose and Content of the Research This joint research targets mesodermal stem cells induced by Klotho expression technology and their secretions (EVs: extracellular vesicles). As part of the research and development phase (manufacturing and quality control) under the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine, the study will conduct quality confirmation and suitability evaluations of manufacturing procedures. The research period commenced on November 1, 2025, and is being conducted at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and Tokyo Relife.

2. Social Significance In recent years, with the development of regenerative and cell therapies, research on stem cells and their secretions has gained attention in various fields, including aging-related areas. This joint research is an initiative advanced through collaboration between a university and corporate entities. It aims to conduct the quality confirmation and manufacturing procedure suitability evaluations required for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) under the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine during the R&D phase for stem cells and their EVs (extracellular vesicles). In this joint research, Tokyo Relife will participate in the organizational preparation required for the R&D phase and the evaluation tasks related to CMC based on the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine. The organization will work in cooperation with Kyoto University and Gerok to ensure the smooth promotion of this research.

3. Future Developments The insights gained from this research will be utilized to strengthen the scientific foundation during the R&D phase (manufacturing and quality control) under the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine. They are also expected to be applied in future collaborations with domestic and international academic institutions and companies. Tokyo Relife will continue to promote research activities that contribute to the development of aging-control medicine and longevity science.