SEATTLE, WA, USA I January 21, 2015 I Kineta, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development of immune modulating drugs for critical diseases, announced today that the company has completed enrollment of its Phase 1B proof-of-concept clinical trial for psoriasis using its drug candidate, ShK-186. ShK-186 is a novel, immune-sparing therapeutic in development for a variety of autoimmune diseases. Results from this trial will be available later in 2015. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic diseases of the immune system. Currently there are no cures. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, nearly 8 million Americans are afflicted with these conditions.

The psoriasis trial is designed to evaluate the effects of biweekly injections of ShK-186 for four weeks in patients with active plaque psoriasis. Patients are monitored for safety endpoints, inflammatory biomarker activity in blood and skin biopsy tissue and assessment of psoriasis severity. ShK-186 is a novel, first in class compound that blocks Kv1.3 channels.

About ShK-186

Shk-186 has a novel mechanism of action (MOA). Preclinical data have shown that ShK-186 is a selective and potent blocker of the voltage-gated Kv1.3 potassium channel, which is a key channel in the activation of effector-memory T cells. Effector memory T cells are implicated in the pathology of many autoimmune diseases. ShK-186 was the first Kv1.3 specific inhibitor advanced into human clinical trials. ShK-186 is also being studied as a potential therapy in other autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases and eye diseases. The lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease research is being conducted in conjunction with the Alliance for Children’s Therapeutics, a drug development and funding collaboration between Kineta and Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

Kineta, Inc. is a Seattle-based privately held biotechnology company specializing in clinical advancement of novel drug candidates derived from leading edge scientific research. Our world class scientists are pioneers in developing life-changing classes of new drugs designed to be more effective and safer than current medicines. Kineta seeks to improve the lives of millions of people suffering from autoimmune and viral diseases and from severe pain. Our progressive business model focuses on targeting unmet medical needs and rapid achievement of important clinical milestones. For more information on Kineta, Inc. visit our website, www.Kinetabio.com. 

SOURCE: Kineta