Kamari Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on rare genetic skin diseases, has successfully closed a $23 million Series A financing round to advance its first-in-class oral TRPV3 inhibitor into clinical development. The financing was co-led by new investor BRM Group and existing investor Pontifax, with participation from additional investors.
The funding will support the clinical development of KM023, an oral TRPV3 inhibitor designed to treat three rare genetic skin diseases: Olmsted syndrome, severe keratoderma, and ichthyosis. The company plans to initiate proof-of-concept clinical trials for each of these indications, with the Olmsted syndrome study scheduled to commence first in the second half of 2025.
Novel Therapeutic Target in Rare Dermatology
KM023 represents a first-in-class approach to treating rare genetic skin diseases through TRPV3 inhibition. TRPV3 serves as a key regulator in skin disease pathways, making it a promising therapeutic target for conditions with limited treatment options.
"The backing of BRM and Pontifax is a testament to the potential of our oral TRPV3 inhibitor to become a first- and best-in-class treatment for several rare genetic skin diseases," said David Aviezer, PhD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Kamari Pharma. "Coupled with strong preclinical data, this investment allows us to accelerate the development of KM023 and generate data in Olmstead syndrome patients by the end of the year."
Clinical Development Timeline
The company has outlined an aggressive timeline for its lead program, with plans to commence a Phase 1b clinical trial for Olmsted syndrome treatment in the second half of 2025. Top-line results from this study are anticipated by year-end 2025, providing crucial proof-of-concept data for the TRPV3 inhibition approach.
Alon Maor, Partner at BRM Group, highlighted the differentiated approach: "Kamari's approach of inhibiting TRPV3, a key regulator in skin disease, differentiates the Company in the rare dermatology space. We are looking forward to working alongside Kamari's experienced board of directors and team, leveraging their extensive track record in rare disease drug development to bring novel, safe and effective treatments to patients."
Investor Confidence and Strategic Support
The financing round demonstrates strong investor confidence in Kamari's scientific approach and development strategy. Ran Nussbaum, Managing Partner at Pontifax, emphasized the firm's continued commitment: "Pontifax was the founder and first investor in Kamari, and we remain very excited by the Company's great science and significant progress. We are proud to close this financing round alongside another blue-chip investor, BRM Group and are confident that Kamari, led by a highly experienced drug development team, will play a crucial role in dramatically improving the lives of people with rare genetic skin diseases that are driven by the TRPV3 pathway."
Comprehensive Pipeline Development
Beyond KM023, Kamari Pharma has developed additional assets targeting rare skin conditions. The company's topical drug KM001 has demonstrated promising clinical data in a Phase 1b study in keratoderma patients, indicating the potential for a comprehensive treatment portfolio addressing various rare genetic skin diseases.
The company's management team comprises industry leaders with extensive experience in drug discovery, dermatological pharmaceutical development, and rare disease drug development, positioning Kamari to execute on its ambitious clinical development plans across multiple rare genetic skin disease indications.
