Kineticos Life Sciences has announced the launch of Kinvard Bio, Inc., a biotech company focused on developing next-generation anti-infectives. Kinvard Bio builds on groundbreaking research from the Myers Lab at Harvard University’s Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. The company has exclusively licensed this research and receives backing from the Kineticos AMR Accelerator Fund I (KAMRA I).
KAMRA I’s Mission: Fighting Drug-Resistant Infections
KAMRA I combats antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by investing in and supporting biotech companies developing disruptive solutions. Using the Kineticos Foundry model, KAMRA I provides financial and operational support to Kinvard Bio, ensuring it can advance its innovative technologies.
Breakthrough Research from Harvard’s Myers Lab
Under the leadership of Professor Andy Myers, a research team at Harvard developed oxepanoprolinamides (OPPs), a novel class of lincosamide antibiotics. These antibiotics bind effectively to bacterial ribosomes, showing promise against both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. The Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator and CARB-X have significantly supported this research, with CARB-X providing $1.2 million to profile antimicrobial leads. Harvard’s Office of Technology Development has now licensed the technology to Kinvard Bio, paving the way for clinical development.
Advancing New Antibiotics for Critical Infections
Kinvard Bio is optimizing its lead programs for preclinical development, focusing on both oral and IV formulations. The goal is to address serious drug-resistant infections. These include bacterial pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), and nontuberculosis mycobacteria lung disease (NTM-LD).
“The powerful synthetic methods developed in the Myers Lab have led to a series of promising compounds for treating drug-resistant infections,” said Professor Andy Myers. “Licensing these compounds to Kinvard Bio accelerates the development of essential new antibiotics.”
Leadership and Expertise Driving Innovation
Dr. Lloyd Payne leads Kinvard Bio as CEO, leveraging his extensive experience in drug discovery and development. With a background in medicinal chemistry and over 25 years in the field, Dr. Payne previously served as CEO of ArrePath, where he led an AI-driven antibiotic discovery initiative. He also advises major AMR investment funds, including the AMR Action Fund and the Novo Foundation REPAIR Impact Fund.
“I am thrilled to lead Kinvard Bio in advancing a differentiated class of antibacterials with broad therapeutic potential,” said Dr. Payne. “Partnering with KAMRA I provides an excellent opportunity to bring the Myers Lab innovations closer to clinical application.”
Joining him are co-founders Dr. Kelvin Wu and Dr. Ben Tresco, who spearheaded the development of the OPP class of antibiotics at the Myers Lab. They will lead platform and product development efforts. The company also benefits from an experienced board, chaired by industry veteran Dr. Steve Gelone.
A Step Forward in the Fight Against AMR
Dr. Richard Snyder, a member of the KAMRA I General Partnership, emphasized the significance of this new venture. “The innovative technology developed by Drs. Myers, Wu, and Tresco marks a transformative advancement in the fight against AMR. Under Dr. Payne’s leadership, Kinvard Bio is well-positioned to bring these breakthroughs into the clinic and make a real difference for patients.”
The Urgent Need for New Antibiotics
AMR is a growing global crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in some countries, over 50% of bacterial infections resist at least one commonly used antibiotic. The United Nations warns of urgent action. Without it, global AMR deaths could hit 10 million yearly by 2050. Addressing AMR requires a multi-sectoral approach, including investment in antibiotic research and development.
Kineticos’ Vision for a Healthier Future
Kineticos Life Sciences strives to create a future free of antimicrobial resistance, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. As reported by pharmabiz.com, the company drives progress in biotechnology and life sciences through strategic investments and scientific innovation.