Alturas Analytics will provide Kineta with bioanalytical method development services and investments to advance the latter’s lead preclinical autoimmune program. The aim is to conduct these IND-enabling studies and begin Phase I testing by mid-2010.
Earlier this month, Kineta announced the acquisition of a portfolio of novel compounds from Airmid. These include Kv1.3 potassium-channel blockers derived from the venom of the Caribbean sea anemone. The compounds are designed to suppress activation of effector memory T cells. They have been shown to significantly reverse disease in animal models of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to Kineta. Additionally, the firm notes, they have potential against other autoimmune diseases including type I diabetes mellitus and orphan diseases such as Wegener’s granulomatosis and muscular inflammatory diseases.
