Kither Biotech develops novel therapies for rare pulmonary diseases with a specific focus on cystic fibrosis (CF) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Its lead candidate, KIT2014, is a cell-permeable peptide designed to modulate intracellular cAMP levels and is being developed as an inhaled add-on therapy to improve outcomes for CF patients. The company plans to complete preclinical studies for KIT2014 in 2022 and to initiate a Phase 1/2A clinical trial thereafter. Kither is also launching preclinical development of KITCL27, a PI3K inhibitor pro-drug being developed as a monotherapy for IPF. The company is a spin-off from the University of Turin and collaborates with the Molecular Biotechnology Center and other research centres. Leadership includes CEO Dr. Vincent Metzler, CFO Marco Kevin Malisani (formerly CEO), and a board chaired by Laura Iris Ferro. Kither Biotech is a Turin-based biopharma spin-off from the University of Turin focused on identifying and developing drug candidates for pulmonary diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its lead candidate, KIT-2014, is protected by a family of international patents and has received Orphan Drug designation from the European Medicines Agency. Preclinical results for KIT-2014 have been replicated in top centres active in cystic fibrosis research, including the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill. The company will use the new funds to complete preclinical studies and initiate a phase I/II clinical trial of KIT-2014 in healthy volunteers and patients during 2020. It also plans to advance a second development program testing another candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. Kither actively collaborates with the Molecular Biotechnology Center (University of Turin) and other research centres worldwide.

Total raised

$27M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Mar 2022