Kainomyx is developing small-molecule therapeutics and sensitive diagnostics that target the cytoskeletal proteins of parasites to treat malaria, leishmaniasis and other parasitic diseases. The company is pursuing novel therapeutic targets because resistance is developing against Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy and current mechanisms of action are not well understood. It is also developing easy-to-execute diagnostic tests to identify asymptomatic carriers who contribute to malaria transmission. Founded by five current and former Stanford scientists—James Spudich, Annamma Spudich, Darshan Trivedi, Suman Nag and Kathleen Ruppel—the company leverages academic and biotech expertise and scientific consultants. Kainomyx was founded in September 2019 and has raised roughly $15.5M to advance its programs, including $7.5M in May 2020 and subsequent funding in 2021. Recent funding will be used to advance malaria therapeutics, diagnostics and programs against other parasitic diseases. Kainomyx is developing and producing a novel antimalarial drug intended to inhibit cytoskeletal proteins in malarial parasites. The program aims to address increasing artemisinin resistance to existing treatments. Open Philanthropy recommended a $1,999,999 investment to support the drug's development and production. The project and page were reviewed by grant investigators Chris Somerville and Heather Youngs; Kainomyx staff also reviewed the page prior to publication. The work is presented within Open Philanthropy’s scientific research focus on advancing human health and wellbeing. The article does not provide operating metrics or prior financing details.

Total raised

$10M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Oct 2021