Dr. Falk Pharma acquires spinout Kynos Therapeutics to develop its novel KMO inhibitors for acute pancreatitis
Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH today announced completion of the acquisition of Kynos Therapeutics Ltd., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of novel KMO inhibitors for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
The company was spun out of the University of Edinburgh by co-founders Professors Damian Mole and Scott Webster, together with founding investor Epidarex Capital, a leading early-stage transatlantic venture fund. The company has been backed by investment from Epidarex Capital, IP Group, and Scottish Enterprise and led by CEO Jonathan Savidge since 2022.
Since its foundation, Kynos Therapeutics has progressed development of its lead molecule, KNS366, a highly potent and selective first-in-class inhibitor of the enzyme kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), through a Phase I trial. KNS366 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated and led to a dose-dependent inhibition of the enzyme KMO and modulation of its downstream metabolites.
Dr. Falk Pharma is excited about the addition of KNS366 to its R&D pipeline and will further explore the potential of KNS366 in future clinical trials, initially focusing on acute pancreatitis. This new asset will enhance Dr. Falk Pharma´s expansion into rare digestive and metabolic diseases and conditions.
Commenting on the deal announcement, former CEO Jonathan Savidge said “Kynos molecules are in excellent hands for the next steps of clinical development. I would like to thank all Kynos’ stakeholders for their support in completing this deal.”
Professor Damian Mole added “This is a momentous milestone for us on our scientific and clinical translational journey to develop KMO inhibitors as a new and useful treatment for patients with diseases caused by inflammation. We are delighted to have now found a partner with the expertise, capacity and commitment to further develop KMO inhibitors, initially for acute pancreatitis, which is an area of immense unmet need.”
Dr Catherine Martin, Vice-Principal Corporate Services at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This partnership is a fantastic testament to the University’s innovation ecosystem, which has nurtured Kynos and its KMO inhibitors through discovery and development to this new stage of acceleration, which will bring their invention further and faster to patients.”
Elizabeth Roper, General Partner at Epidarex and former investor director of Kynos, said: “The acquisition by Dr. Falk Pharma of Kynos is an outstanding achievement by the company and provides a great example of Epidarex’s approach to company creation and development. We would like to congratulate the Kynos team and our fellow investors on the transaction with Dr. Falk Pharma. Targeting KMO represents a potentially transformative approach in acute pancreatitis.
Kerry Sharp, Director of Entrepreneurship and Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Scotland continues to provide the right environment for life sciences innovation and having supported Kynos Therapeutics’ early stage development, we are excited to see how it continues to flourish as it integrates into the Falk Group.”
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About the University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh Innovations
The University of Edinburgh is a global university, rooted in Scotland. We are globally recognised for our research, development and innovation and we have provided world-class teaching to our students for more than 425 years. We are the largest university in Scotland, with more than 49,480 students and 18,650 staff. We are a founding member of the UK’s Russell Group of leading research universities and a member of the League of European Research Universities. Edinburgh Innovations is the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service. We bring University of Edinburgh research to industry, working to identify ideas with value, and facilitating the process of bringing them to life in real-world applications. We make ideas work for a better world.
About Epidarex Capital - www.epidarex.com
Epidarex Capital is a transatlantic venture capital firm with a track record of building exceptional life science companies in emerging hubs in the US and UK. Epidarex’ experienced team of early-stage investors partner with entrepreneurs and leading research institutions to transform world-class science into highly innovative products addressing major unmet needs in the global healthcare market. Epidarex Capital was the founding investor in Kynos and was instrumental in setting up company operations and shaping early business strategy with the scientific founders and the University of Edinburgh.
About IP Group plc - www.ipgroupplc.com
IP Group develops world-changing science and technology businesses across life sciences, technology and cleantech. The Group has a strong track record of success, having been the founder investor in a number of high-profile companies including Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc, and has one of the most exciting portfolios of high-growth businesses in Europe. The Group also owns Parkwalk, the UK's largest growth EIS fund manager which backs world-changing technologies emerging from the UK’s leading universities and research institutions. IP Group is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the code IPO.
About acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can be triggered by a number of factors. In its severe form, this acute inflammation can cascade to a reaction in the entire body over several days to weeks that can result in systemic inflammation, organ failure, and death. Accordingly, acute pancreatitis requires immediate medical intervention to manage patients’ symptoms and prevent worsening of their condition, often necessitating prolonged hospitalization. Currently, acute pancreatitis occurs in about 240,000 people in Europe and 300,000 people in the United States each year, with 1 in 5 acute pancreatitis patients requiring intensive care. To date, there are no proven or approved treatment options to prevent organ failure and death resulting from severe acute pancreatitis, meaning there is an urgent need for effective treatments.
About KNS366
Kynos Therapeutics’ lead investigational asset KNS366 selectively inhibits the enzyme kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). KMO is a key enzyme in the tryptophan metabolic pathway and has also been shown to play an important role in modulating immune processes. By inhibiting KMO activity, KNS366 interferes with inflammation and other immune system pathologies by lowering levels of its downstream metabolite – 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK) – high levels of which have been linked to tissue damage and dysregulation of the immune system during inflammation. Inflammatory diseases including acute pancreatitis trigger an exacerbated, systemic pro-inflammatory response, making KMO inhibitors a promising next-generation treatment option for disorders characterized by severe inflammation.
About Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH
Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH has been developing and marketing innovative medicines to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or eosinophilic esophagitis as well as hepatobiliary disorders such as primary biliary cholangitis for over 60 years. As the international experts in digestive and metabolic medicine, the company brings together physicians, scientists, and patients to devise new and powerful approaches to patient care. Dr. Falk Pharma engages in pre-clinical and clinical stage research that aims to meaningfully improve therapeutic practice as well as patient health and well-being. A family-owned business with a global presence, Dr. Falk Pharma has ten affiliates in Europe and Australia and is continuously growing. The company has its headquarters and R&D facilities in Freiburg, Germany, its pharmaceutical products are manufactured in Europe, mainly at sites in Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland. Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH employs approximately 1250 individuals globally and 323 in Freiburg.