ANEW Medical Partners with Japan's Okinawa Research Center to Combat Age-Related Diseases

ANEW MEDICAL, INC. (NASDAQ:WENA), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the advancement of novel disease-modifying therapies for neurological and age-related disorders and specialty diagnostics, announces a strategic partnership with Drs. Makoto Suzuki, Craig and Bradley Willcox, Richard Allsopp, and Michio Shimabukuro of Japan's Okinawa Research Center for Longevity Science (ORCLS) for the research and development of ANEW's patented Klotho gene therapy in enhancing longevity and reducing age-related diseases.

‘Blue Zones', as coined by National Geographic explorer and journalist Dan Buettner, are located in Ikaria, Greece; the Ogliastra Region of Sardinia; the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.

Okinawa, the original ‘Blue Zone', has been the focus of nearly five decades of groundbreaking research by ORCLS, leading to the discovery of other "longevity hotspots" - across the world. These areas are characterized by high concentrations of people who live to exceptional ages, while maintaining good health. Preliminary data suggests that the alpha-Klotho version of the human Klotho gene and its secreted alpha-Klotho protein isoform, may contribute to longevity and provide protection against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Remarkably, Okinawans have among the lowest prevalence rates of AD globally.

ANEW's mission is to deliver transformative protein, cell, and gene therapies in areas of high unmet medical needs, particularly targeting highly prevalent neurodegenerative diseases and age-related disorders including ALS, AD and PD. The collaboration with ORCLS is part of ANEW's research program on the extended life expectancy in Okinawa, Japan, which is renowned for its comparatively high number of people who live extremely long and healthy lives, many reaching 100 years and more.

ANEW is developing a groundbreaking portfolio of cell and gene-based therapeutics targeting the Klotho gene for potential treatment of debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. The Company holds a portfolio of novel intellectual property in major markets and is advancing clinical development.