Kaerus Bioscience Announces Initiation of Phase 1 Clinical Trial for its Novel BK Channel Modulator KER-0193 being developed for Fragile X Syndrome
July 25 2024 - 4:00AM
Kaerus Bioscience Ltd. (www.kaerusbio.com), a clinical-stage
biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for rare
genetic syndromes of neurodevelopment, today announced that it has
initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of KER-0193, its lead BK channel
modulator being developing for Fragile X syndrome. Fragile X
syndrome is the most common inherited cause of autism and
intellectual disability globally, affecting over 1.5 million
individuals globally. There are currently no approved treatments
for Fragile X.
“Kaerus’ BK modulator program is a potential game-changer in
field of therapeutics development for Fragile X syndrome,” declared
Ring, adding that, “Our lead BK modulator KER-0193 was developed to
specifically address a breakdown in brain function uniquely tied to
the genetics of Fragile X syndrome.”
“The start of our Phase 1 program for KER-0193 represents an
exciting milestone for Kaerus, culminating over 5 years of R&D
investment in BK channel modulator discovery and enabled by strong
partnerships with academic collaborators, clinical experts and
research foundations such as FRAXA,” said Robert Ring, PhD, Chief
Executive Officer, Kaerus Bioscience.
Michael Tranfaglia, MD, Co-founder of the FRAXA Research
Foundation notes: “We are very excited about the therapeutic
strategy of targeting BK channels, and believe it can make a
significant difference in the lives of people with fragile X,”
adding that, “Kaerus’ lead molecule KER-0193 is in an excellent
position to address this well-validated treatment target in Fragile
X. I am also quite convinced that this treatment approach may be of
value in a great many other neurodevelopmental disorders. FRAXA has
funded an enormous amount of research over many years focused on
the hypo-function of BK channels in fragile X, and the potential
value of BK channel modulators to treat this condition.”
The Phase 1 clinical trial, being conducted in Belgium, will
investigate the safety and tolerability of KER-0193 in healthy
volunteers and is expected to complete in 2025.
Ring added, “The BK modulator program of Kaerus has also
provided the company with a platform to further develop treatments
for a variety of additional indications, with clear opportunities
in a range of genetic epilepsies.”
About KER-0193KER-0193 is a novel, proprietary,
and orally-bioavailable small molecule modulator of BK channels
discovered by Kaerus. KER-0193 has already demonstrated broad
effects on improving syndrome-relevant behavioral, sensory and
cognitive deficits observed in genetic animal models of Fragile
X.
About Kaerus Bioscience
For more information, please visit www.kaerusbio.com or contact info@kaerusbio.com