A new class of anti-DNA viral drugs

Masafumi Kuroishi, CEO, KinoPharma, Inc.

KinoPharma develops drugs targeting kinases. There are two types of viruses: RNA viruses, such as Ebola and influenza, and DNA viruses, such as adenovirus. Our products target DNA viruses.
For example, more than 6 million people in Japan, the U.S. and Europe are infected every year with viruses associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) accompanied by high fever, swelling and pain, for which no effective therapy is available. To treat human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a cause of cervical cancer, the vaccine is used in 63% of patients in the U.S. but only in 4% in Japan. We are making efforts to address this issue.
Antiviral drugs generally inhibit the ability of a DNA virus by targeting its enzymes and proteins. For this reason, it is necessary to develop a different drug for each virus. A drug developed with our technology can inhibit intracellular enzymes that are used by a DNA virus to proliferate in the host cell, and therefore can be effective against different types of viruses. This compound was discovered and patented by Prof. Hagiwara at Kyoto University.
In our development pipeline, there is an eye drop for treating keratoconjunctivitis, for which a partnership has been established. We are now preparing an application to the U.S. FDA. A skin patch for treating viral warts is in Phase 1&2 clinical studies at Kyoto University Hospital. We are also preparing clinical studies on a tablet for cervical cancer in cooperation with Kyoto University. There is also a drug formulation for intravenous injection, which has the largest market, for which preparation for animal studies is ongoing. We are inviting development partners and investors for all these projects.

[Mentors' comments]
"This is a very cutting-edge area and a large market is anticipated. However, there are other companies that have already been active in developing drugs in this area. You need to clearly differentiate your products from others and also demonstrate their safety." Sham Nikam, Takeda Pharmaceutical

"You should take more time to explain the safety and efficacy of the technology. It is also better to explain the market size of each pipeline as well as the benefits and key points for differentiation." Elizabeth Steele, MassBIO

[Speaker Profile]
He founded Watervein Partners in 2002, and incubated and invested in technology created in academia in the field of biopharma. He was appointed CEO at Kinopharma in 2011 and since then has been working on the development of new concept antiviral drugs.
KinoPharma, Inc. website: http://www.kinopharma.com/english/

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