Preclinical Data Confirm Triple Mechanism of Action of Lead Compound KIN001 in COVID-19

• Preclinical data with KIN001 confirm potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 as well as potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activity
• KIN001 is currently under evaluation in the KINETIC Study, a Multi-Center Phase 2 Trial in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

BASEL, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2021 / Kinarus AG, a Swiss clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company announced today complementary preclinical data demonstrating its lead therapeutic KIN001 could be a promising option for prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In in-vitro tests and animal models KIN001 potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication, as well as reduced inflammation and lung injury in mouse models. This triple mechanism of action supports the potential use of KIN001 in all severities and all stages of COVID-19. KIN001 is an orally administered combination of the p38 MAPK inhibitor pamapimod with a second marketed drug. Kinarus recently announced the launch of the KINETIC Phase 2 clinical study of KIN001 in hospitalized Covid-19 patients.

In studies conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schubert at the Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, cultured cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 were treated with KIN001. KIN001 led to potent reduction of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Importantly, the combination of pamapimod with pioglitazone, the drug combination in KIN001, demonstrated greater antiviral activity at lower concentrations, compared to the effects of both individual components of KIN001. KIN001 was also active against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with a similar potency. This was expected as KIN001 acts to block viral replication in the host cell and not at the virus surface typically affected by mutations.

Additionally, in preclinical animal models of inflammation and lung injury, KIN001 significantly reduced lung inflammation and fibrosis by blocking multiple cytokines and inflammatory proteins, many of which have been implicated in the exaggerated immune response often referred to as the “cytokine storm” in severe cases of COVID-19.

“Due to its triple mechanism of action, we believe that KIN001 has the potential to be an effective treatment option in the fight against COVID-19,” said Alexander Bausch, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Kinarus. “There is an urgent need for affordable, broadly available oral treatment options helping patients in all phases of the disease, and the Kinarus team is committed to develop a new therapy for patients with COVID-19.”

About Kinarus
Kinarus AG is a Swiss clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing differentiated treatments to patients suffering from viral, respiratory, or ophthalmic diseases. Kinarus’ differentiated therapeutic candidate KIN001 has broad potential to transform numerous therapeutic areas. The company has multiple patents covering the application of KIN001 in multiple indications with important unmet medical needs. In April 2021, Kinarus enrolled and dosed the first patient in the Phase 2 KINETIC trial of KIN001 in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Swiss-based Kinarus is privately owned.

For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.kinarus.com.

Contact information:
Alexander Bausch
CEO Kinarus AG
Tel: +41 61 633 2971
alexander.bausch@kinarus.com

Disclaimer
This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Kinarus AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions.

SOURCE: Kinarus AG

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