Kenta Biotech develops new treatment option to fight severe S aureus infections

Zurich-based Kenta Biotech announced an important step towards a more efficient treatment of hospital infections. The first patient was enrolled in the phase I/II clinical trial with KBSA301, a fully human antibody for the treatment of severe pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus).

In this clinical trial, 44 patients suffering from severe pneumonia caused by S aureus admitted in intensive care units around Europe will be administered a single dose of KBSA301, or placebo, in addition to standard antibiotic therapy. KBSA301 is developed by Kenta Biotech as a new treatment option to fight severe S aureus infections, including those caused by antibiotic resistant strains.

The fully human monoclonal antibody KBSA301 was identified by using Kenta Biotech’s proprietary MabIgX technology. In the field of infectious diseases, this is one of the few therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that is tested in a first-in-human trial directly in patients. Kenta Biotech, in this way, can accelerate the clinical development and bringing this new compound faster to patients.

KBSA301 binds to Staphylococcal alpha-toxin, thus preventing the toxin from damaging the lungs of the patients. Its mode of action is independent from the antibiotic resistance profile of S aureus , therefore covering both MRSA (methicillin-resistant S aureus) and MSSA (methicillin-sensitive S aureus). This constitutes a significant progress in the treatment of severe S aureus infections. The therapeutic activity of KBSA301 demonstrated in preclinical animal studies resulted in a significant survival benefit for treated animals. This, along with an excellent safety profile enabled Kenta Biotech to obtain permission from health authorities in four major countries to test the antibody on intensive care unit patients with severe S aureus pneumonia.

Franco Merckling, Chief Executive Officer, Kenta Biotech, said, “This is a great day for patients, for doctors and for Kenta Biotech. Thanks to intensive research and the dedication of our outstanding staff, we are able to bring a human monoclonal antibody with an innovative mode of action into clinical development in record time. I am confident that this trial will deliver promising data and pave the way for change in the treatment of severe S aureus pneumonia.”

Toni Perez, Chief Medical Officer, Kenta Biotech said, “We are excited about this clinical trial. For more than 25 years, I have been developing new anti-infective drugs, and I have never seen a drug with such tremendous potential. Patients and doctors have been eagerly waiting for a solution like the one to be expected from KBSA301.”

EP News Bureau – Mumbai