Kineticos Life Sciences has established Kinvard Bio, Inc., a new biotechnology company that aims to advance a revolutionary class of antibiotics to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The company's foundation builds upon groundbreaking research from Harvard University's Myers Lab, supported by exclusive licensing agreements.
Novel Antibiotic Platform Shows Promise Against Resistant Pathogens
The company's core technology focuses on oxepanoprolinamides (OPPs), a distinct class of lincosamide antibiotics designed for enhanced binding to bacterial ribosomes. Preclinical studies have demonstrated efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, particularly those associated with significant unmet clinical needs.
"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," explains Andy Myers, Amory Houghton Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University.
Strategic Focus on High-Priority Infections
Kinvard Bio's development pipeline targets some of the most challenging drug-resistant infections, including:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI)
- Nontuberculosis mycobacteria lung disease (NTM-LD)
The company plans to develop both oral and intravenous formulations to provide flexible treatment options for various clinical settings.
Experienced Leadership Team and Strong Financial Backing
Dr. Lloyd Payne, appointed as CEO, brings over 25 years of drug discovery and development experience to lead Kinvard Bio. The company's founding team includes Dr. Kelvin Wu and Dr. Ben Tresco, key developers of the OPP antibiotic class at the Myers Lab.
The venture has received significant financial and operational support through multiple channels:
- Funding from Kineticos AMR Accelerator Fund I (KAMRA I)
- Previous CARB-X funding of $1.2 million
- Support from the Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator
Addressing a Critical Global Health Threat
The launch of Kinvard Bio comes at a crucial time in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. According to the World Health Organization, over 50% of common bacterial infections in some countries show resistance to standard antibiotics. The United Nations projects annual global deaths from AMR could reach 10 million by 2050 without urgent intervention.
Dr. Richard Snyder, Member of the KAMRA I General Partnership, emphasizes the venture's potential impact: "The novel technology developed by Drs. Myers, Wu, and Tresco represents a transformative advancement in the fight against AMR. Under the leadership of Dr. Payne, Kinvard Bio is well-positioned to successfully advance this innovative technology into the clinic."
