Multiple potential products
Targeting social dysfunction with novel therapeutics
Kinoxis Therapeutics Pty Ltd (Kinoxis) is a private, Australian-based, clinical stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class therapeutics to address the escalating demand for effective treatments for substance use disorders and social dysfunction in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Kinoxis’ development candidates are novel, small molecules that were discovered through a comprehensive medicinal chemistry and screening program at the University of Sydney. Kinoxis is backed by Uniseed, Australia’s longest running venture fund, and a consortium of sophisticated investors. Kinoxis has also secured significant funding from the US National Institutes of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse for the development of its lead compound to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Kinoxis has also entered into a strategic partnership and licensing agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim, for the development of oxytocin targeting precision psychiatry treatments to improve the quality of life of people living with neuropsychiatric disorders.
KNX100
Kinoxis’ lead candidate (KNX100) is being developed for the mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms. KNX100 has a novel, undisclosed mechanism of action, and a Phase 1 clinical trial has commenced under a US IND. The company is also exploring other indications for its lead compound, KNX100, as promising preclinical results have been achieved in animal models of cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and alcohol use disorders, as well as models of agitation and aggression.
Oxytocin Receptor Targeting Compounds
Social
dysfunction is a major symptom of many neuropsychiatric disorders, including
schizophrenia, depression, and dementia, yet despite the high prevalence and
impact of social dysfunction, there are currently no specific pharmacological
treatments.
Oxytocin is an endogenous neuropeptide playing a critical role in the regulation
of social behaviour. Kinoxis and Boehringer Ingelheim are working in
partnership to unlock the therapeutic potential of targeting the brain oxytocin
system to treat disrupted social behaviour, which is also a barrier to
engagement with psychosocial interventions that can be critical to help people
living with chronic and complex mental health conditions. Starting with Kinoxis’ proprietary oxytocin
receptor targeting molecules, the partners will work on a small molecule
precision psychiatry approach to address this challenge.
