Dr. Falk Pharma acquires spinout Kynos Therapeutics to develop 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.”