Kinvard Bio Inc., a biotechnology firm at the forefront of developing a new generation of broad-spectrum antibiotics, has announced the receipt of US $2.7 million in follow-on non-dilutive funding from CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator). This global non-profit initiative supports the acceleration of antibacterial innovation with the goal of combating life-threatening bacterial infections. The new funds will be directed toward advancing Kinvard Bio’s lead optimization efforts, with the ultimate goal of selecting a preclinical development candidate. Depending on the successful achievement of specific developmental milestones, the company may qualify for additional CARB-X funding to support progression into IND-enabling studies and early-phase clinical trials.
Kinvard Bio was established based on pioneering research from the Myers Lab within the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University. The business uses a patented synthetic chemistry platform and logical drug design approaches to develop a new class of antibiotics called oxepanoprolinamides (OPPs). These compounds are engineered to engage with the bacterial ribosome in a highly optimized manner, enabling them to effectively bypass a variety of existing bacterial resistance mechanisms. Kinvard’s pipeline includes both oral and intravenous formulations of these small molecule antibiotics, with a focus on treating challenging acute and chronic infections, including respiratory tract infections, complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD).
Targeting key bacteria that cause skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), Kinvard Bio is stepping up the development of its OPP program through its partnership with CARB-X. The program is strategically aligned with urgent public health needs, particularly in the context of escalating antibiotic resistance in healthcare and community environments.
Dr. Erin Duffy, the R&D Chief at CARB-X, highlighted the importance of Kinvard’s synthetic ribosome inhibitors, pointing out the benefits of their unique chemical structure and ability to target a multigene location on the ribosome, which may slow the emergence of resistance. Additionally, the focus on achieving oral bioavailability further strengthens the therapeutic potential of the OPP class. Kinvard Bio CEO Lloyd Payne expressed that bacterial infections continue to impose a major global health burden, exacerbated by rising antimicrobial resistance. He highlighted that the CARB-X partnership not only provides essential funding but also connects the company to an international network of expertise, all aimed at rapidly advancing innovative antibiotics for patients in critical need.
