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Kineta's Novel Antiviral Compounds Inhibit Broad Array of Emerging and Current Viruses Including Ebola
[March 26, 2015]

Kineta's Novel Antiviral Compounds Inhibit Broad Array of Emerging and Current Viruses Including Ebola


Kineta, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development of immune modulating drugs for critical diseases, today presented encouraging pre-clinical animal and in vitro data from a novel class of molecules discovered by Kineta which inhibit diverse viral pathogens including Ebola, influenza A & B, dengue, West Nile, Lassa fever, respiratory syncytial virus and human coronaviruses. The results presented at the 7th International Symposium on Filoviruses showed these new molecules function by triggering host innate antiviral immunity rather than focusing on a specific viral target.

"These small molecule compounds trigger a natural immune response by targeting processes that activate the innate immune transcription factor, IRF-3, a critical responder that drives antiviral gene expression to suppress viral replication," said Dr. Shawn Iadonato, Chief Scientific Officer at Kineta. "Current direct acting antivirals that typically have selective action against a single virus have a high risk of eliciting drug resistance. These novel and potent host-directed innate immune molecules offer broad spectrum protection without development of drug resistance, and we believe our approach to developing a therapy for Ebola is the first of its kind," Iadonato added.

The compounds were tested against influenza and dengue viruses in mouse models of disease and were effective and well tolerated with a 2-3 log (100-1,000 fold) reduction in the amount of virus in the plasma and lungs. Data also showed strong suppression of Ebola infection in tissue culture with a greater than 2 log reduction in virus load. Kineta plans to test the compounds for Eola and Lassa hemorrhagic fever antiviral activity in animal models.



LINK TO POSTER: http://www.kinetabio.com/documents/KinetaFilovirus2015.pdf

About Kineta Innate Immune Antivirals


Kineta's innate immune antiviral program offers a proprietary discovery platform and compounds with a novel mechanism of action that activate the innate immune transcription factor IRF-3, a critical first responder that is essential for inhibiting viral replication and clearing infection. Unlike direct acting antivirals, these host directed compounds have demonstrated efficacy across a broad spectrum of RNA and DNA viruses and offer the potential for a pan-viral therapy that circumvents drug resistance. These developmental products will be used as first-line oral or IV treatment for multiple viral infections. No equivalent drug currently exists in the market. Kineta's innate immune antivirals address critical unmet needs in therapeutic areas that represent significant commercial potential and an opportunity to optimize lifecycle management.

Kineta, Inc. is a Seattle-based privately held biotechnology company specializing in clinical advancement of novel drug candidates derived from leading-edge scientific research. Our world-class scientists are pioneers in developing life-changing classes of new drugs designed to be more effective and safer than current medicines. Kineta seeks to improve the lives of millions of people suffering from autoimmune and viral diseases and from severe pain. Our progressive business model focuses on targeting unmet medical needs and rapid achievement of important clinical milestones. For more information on Kineta, Inc. visit our website, www.Kinetabio.com.

NOTICE: This document contains certain forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding Kineta's plans for future research and development activities. You are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties inherent in Kineta's business which could significantly affect expected results, including without limitation progress of drug development, ability to raise capital to fund drug development, clinical testing and regulatory approval, developments in raw material and personnel costs, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Kineta undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.


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