Founded by researchers at the University’s Centre for Inflammation Research and Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Kynos Therapeutics builds on more than a decade of research in the development of therapies at the interface of inflammation, immunity and metabolism.
Dr. Falk Pharma – a company that specialises in digestive and metabolic medicine – will develop the spinout company’s inflammation inhibitors initially for the treatment of acute pancreatitis.
Innovative development
Since its foundation, Kynos Therapeutics has been developing inhibitors for the enzyme known as kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO).
KMO plays a major role in the control of inflammation and metabolism, contributing to the regulation of the immune system. By inhibiting KMO, drug therapies have the potential to treat conditions such as acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury, and chronic immuno-inflammatory disorders.
Earlier this year, Kynos Therapeutics’ lead investigational drug, KNS366, was successful in a Phase 1 clinical trial.
It will be added to Dr. Falk Pharma’s research and development pipeline who will further explore the potential of the inhibitors in future clinical trials, initially focusing on acute pancreatitis.
The new asset will enhance the company’s expansion into rare digestive and metabolic diseases and conditions.
Kynos Therapeutics’ co-founders, Professors Damian Mole and Scott Webster will remain as consultants to Dr. Falk Pharma following the acquisition.