VC Firm Kineticos Launches Biotech to Combat Antibiotic Resistance with Novel Approach

Venture capital firm Kineticos Life Sciences has unveiled a new biotech company, Kinvard Bio, to develop a promising class of antibiotics aimed at addressing the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance. The move comes as part of Kineticos' broader initiative to accelerate innovation in the fight against drug-resistant infections.

Oxepanoprolinamides: A Fresh Approach to Antibiotic Development

Kinvard Bio's focus is on oxepanoprolinamides, a class of lincosamide antibiotics originating from the laboratory of Professor Andy Myers at Harvard University's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. These compounds have shown efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogens in preclinical studies, offering a potentially powerful new tool in the arsenal against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Professor Myers highlighted the significance of this development, stating, "The powerful synthetic methods we've developed at the Myers Lab have enabled us to create a series of compounds that hold great promise for treating superbugs resistant to standard treatments."

Strategic Funding and Leadership

Kineticos has established an accelerator fund, KAMRA I, to finance life sciences companies working on antimicrobial resistance. This fund has played a crucial role in the formation of Kinvard Bio and the licensing of the oxepanoprolinamide technology.

The new biotech is led by CEO Lloyd Payne, Ph.D., who brings valuable experience from his previous role as CEO of antibiotic company ArrePath. Payne expressed enthusiasm about the venture, saying, "Partnering with KAMRA I represents an excellent opportunity to further develop the Myers Lab innovation and meet the critical need for new IV and oral antibiotics for the treatment of patients with challenging drug-resistant infections."

Addressing High-Need Infections

Kinvard Bio's initial focus is on infections with significant unmet needs, including:

• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia
• Hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia
• Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease

This targeted approach aims to fill critical gaps in the current antibiotic landscape, where many large pharmaceutical companies have reduced their investment in antimicrobial research due to low returns on investment.

The launch of Kinvard Bio represents a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance, bringing new hope for the development of much-needed novel antibiotics in an area of growing global health concern.