Biotechnology company BioViva USA Inc announced on Tuesday the issuance of US Patent No. 12,564,646, titled 'Treatment of Age-Related Cognitive Decline Using Genetically Modified Viral Vectors'.

This patent covers the use of gene therapy to deliver human Klotho (KL) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) for the treatment or prevention of age-related cognitive decline, including conditions associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Patent protection in the European Union and China is currently pending. The company expects additional patent decisions as these applications proceed through their respective examination processes.

Klotho is a naturally occurring protein that has been associated with healthy ageing and neurological function. BioViva says that its patent focuses on using gene therapy to enable cells to produce Klotho, rather than simply administering the protein itself.

The issuance of this US patent strengthens the company's intellectual property portfolio and creates opportunities for further research, licensing, development and potential partnerships involving Klotho-based gene therapies, BioViva said.