Scotland-based Kynos Therapeutics has launched a first-in-human Phase I trial of its kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) inhibitor KNS366.
The study aims to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple doses of KNS366 in healthy adult participants. The study is being conducted at a single site in the UK. Full results from the study are expected in early 2024.
KMO plays a major role in the regulation of inflammation, acting at the interface between inflammation, immunity and metabolism, and inhibition of KMO has therapeutic potential in a range of indications.
Kynos Therapeutics founder and CSO Damian Mole said: “KMO is a target of increasing interest for the development of new medicines and it is fantastic to see our highly selective KMO inhibitor, KNS366, moving into clinical development. The data generated from the advanced analysis of biomarkers will allow measurement of KMO inhibition and the impact that has on inflammatory mechanisms important in human disease. This information will be invaluable for designing the next stage of clinical trials in patients.”
Kynos Therapeutics CEO Jonathan Savidge added: “Progressing our lead KMO inhibitor rapidly into Phase I is a major milestone for Kynos. We are not aware of any other KMO inhibitors in clinical development and look forward to generating data in humans with this first-in-class mechanism. We appreciate the support of Innovate UK for its contribution to the financing of this trial.”
