PRESS RELEASE
Kineta’s Novel Broad Spectrum
Antivirals Trigger Effective Natural
Immune Response to Flu and
Respiratory Virus Infections
Data presented at Novel Antiviral Therapies for
Influenza Conference
Austin, TX, June 4, 2015--- Kineta, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the
development of immune modulating drugs for critical diseases, today presented
encouraging pre-clinical in vitro and animal data from a novel class of molecules discovered
by Kineta which broadly inhibit Influenza A & B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, (RSV) and
Coronavirus (HCoV)which include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). South Korea
reported their first deaths from a MERS outbreak this week. The results were presented and
discussed in a talk by Kristin Bedard, PhD, Director and Head of Virology, at the Novel
Antiviral Therapies for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Bench to Beside Conference
in Austin.
“Kineta’s molecules function by triggering host innate antiviral immunity rather than
focusing on a specific viral target,” said Dr. Bedard. “The lead compound series provided
broad spectrum activity against multiple flu strains. These compounds are also dual-acting
by inhibiting virus replication and activating immune cells for viral clearance. Viral resistance
was shown to be less likely, and these compounds can enhance the effects of traditional
direct-acting antivirals in combination therapy,” Dr. Bedard stated.
In her talk, which was part of an expert panel session on “Host Cell Targets: Factors
Involved in Virus Replication or Mediating the Inflammatory Response,” Dr. Bedard
remarked that “traditional antiviral design has failed to identify broad spectrum drugs,
while direct acting antivirals are plagued with the development of resistant strains that
render them ineffective. We have identified a novel class of small molecule drugs that
trigger a natural immune response by targeting the innate immune transcription factor,
IRF-3, a critical first responder that is essential for suppressing viral replication and clearing
infection,” Bedard added.
Bedard concluded by pointing out the Kineta newly optimized lead compounds are orally
bioavailable, metabolically stable, well tolerated in vivo and show antiviral efficacy in preclinical infection models.
Jennifer Dent, President of BIO Ventures for Global Health praised Kineta’s unique antiviral
and adjuvant research. “Kineta’s commitment to advancing global antiviral research makes
it a true pioneer among biotech companies. Kineta recognized early on that infectious
diseases know no global boundaries.”
In addition to the respiratory viruses influenza and RSV, Kineta’s antivirals are active
against dengue, hepatitis B virus and emerging pathogens such as Ebola. Importantly,
when these compounds were tested against influenza and other respiratory viruses in
mouse models of disease, they were well tolerated and effective with up to a 2-3 log (1001,000 fold) reduction in the amount of virus in the lungs. A significant benefit in clinical
outcomes was maintained when the treatment was initiated 48 hours after infection.
Kineta is currently testing the compounds for Ebola and Lassa hemorrhagic fever antiviral
activity in animal models. The clinical significance of antiviral molecules such as these is
that an antiviral could be prescribed based on clinical symptoms alone and this would shift
the paradigm of the treatment of viral diseases and pandemic preparedness.
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.
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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.
Contact Dan Eramian [email protected] 206-518-5566