Kineta Presents Promising New Data on Novel Lassa Fever Antiviral and Broad Spectrum Innate Immune Antivirals

SEATTLE, April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kineta, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the translational development of novel antiviral and immune modulating drugs presented promising new data on two of Kineta's antiviral programs at the 29^th International Conference on Antiviral Research in La Jolla, CA this week.    

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Dr. Sean Amberg, Director of Biodefense Initiatives, presented new data on Kineta's novel direct acting antiviral for Lassa fever.  LHF-535 demonstrated potent antiviral activity across broad arenaviruses including the lead indication Lassa fever virus. Additionally, LHF-535 showed significant reduction in virus titers and improved survival in arenavirus animal models at a daily oral dose of 10 mg/kg. The clinical candidate has a favorable tolerability profile and is planned to enter clinical testing as a first in class oral therapeutic for Lassa fever patients.

Dr. Shari Kaiser, Senior Scientist (Virology), presented on Kineta's AViid™ screening platform and broad spectrum innate immune antivirals.   Dr. Kaiser will present the proprietary drug screening platform used to identify lead candidates for vaccine adjuvants, antiviral therapeutics and immune modulators for oncology treatment. The lead series of antivirals demonstrated broad in vitro potency against respiratory and emerging viruses including Ebola and diverse flaviviruses. Additionally, proof of concept in vivo data presented by Dr. Kaiser confirms the potent antiviral activity against influenza and dengue virus.

"We are very pleased with the progress of LHF-535 and our broad spectrum innate immune antiviral program," stated Kristin Bedard, VP R&D and Head of Virology at Kineta.  "Kineta was invited to present on several of our programs at ICAR this week which is tremendous validation of our antiviral research and development efforts."    

About LHF-535
LHF-535 is a small molecule antiviral with potent activity against Lassa and other arenaviruses.  It inhibits virus entry into target host cells and serves to suppress viral replication.  LHF-535 is an optimized lead compound with good oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, supporting once-daily administration.   It has demonstrated safety in preclinical models and is effective in animal models of arenavirus pathogenesis.  A clear development path toward an IND (Investigational New Drug) application for LHF-535 was established after a successful interaction with FDA in mid-2015.

About Kineta's Innate Immune Antivirals
Kineta's Innate Immune Antiviral program offers a proprietary discovery platform and compounds with a novel mechanism of action that activate the innate immune transcription factor IRF-3, a critical first responder that is essential for inhibiting viral replication and clearing infection.  Unlike direct acting antivirals, Kineta's host directed compounds have demonstrated efficacy across a broad spectrum of respiratory, hepatitis and emerging viruses and offer the potential for a pan-viral therapy that circumvents drug resistance.  No equivalent drug currently exists in the market. 

Kineta, Inc. is an emerging and sustainable biotech company that fills a void in the biopharmaceutical industry by efficiently advancing therapies from discovery to clinical proof of concept. We actively collaborate with a broad array of private, government and industry partners to advance our innovative research in autoimmune diseases, antivirals and chronic pain. Kineta has established and is expanding on a diverse pipeline of novel life improving therapies that address critical unmet patient needs.  For more information on Kineta, Inc. visit our website, www.Kinetabio.com

NOTICE: This document contains certain forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding Kineta's plans for pre-clinical and clinical studies, regulatory filings, and anticipated drug effects in human subjects. You are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties inherent in Kineta's business which could significantly affect expected results, including without limitation progress of drug development, ability to raise capital to fund drug development, clinical testing and regulatory approval, developments in raw material and personnel costs, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Kineta undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.

Contact:
Jacques Bouchy
Email
(206) 378-0400

SOURCE Kineta, Inc.