Shanghai-based Kinnjiu Biopharma Inc. has announced the first subject dosing in the global multi-center Phase I study ‘KN-8701’, focusing on its Category 1 drug exarafenib (KIN-2787) in the Chinese mainland. This milestone comes shortly after Kinnate Biopharma Inc. (Nasdaq: KNTE) acquired an ownership stake in Kinnjiu Bio, previously held by Series A investors including OrbiMed and Foresite Capital, using a combination of Kinnate shares and cash.
KN-8701 Study Details
KN-8701 is an ongoing, global Phase I clinical trial (NCT04913285) evaluating exarafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring BRAF Class I, II, and III alterations, and/or those with NRAS mutant melanoma. This study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of exarafenib in these patient populations, marking a significant step forward in the development of targeted therapies for BRAF-mutated cancers.
Exarafenib: Next-Generation Pan-RAF Inhibitor
KIN-2787, also known as exarafenib, is a next-generation pan-RAF inhibitor targeting BRAF mutations commonly seen in lung cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, and other solid tumors. Currently, no approved BRAF kinase inhibitors target BRAF II/III mutations globally. Pre-clinical studies have confirmed that KIN-2787 can overcome the drug resistance of dabrafenib combined with trametinib caused by acquired BRAF class II mutations, positioning it as a potential breakthrough in the treatment of these cancers.
Kinnjiu Biopharma: Background and Financing
Kinnjiu Biopharma was formed in 2021 as part of Kinnate’s joint venture to develop and commercialize its most advanced kinase inhibitors in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The company successfully closed a USD 35 million Series A financing round in January 2022, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its pipeline and development strategy.
Strategic Implications
The acquisition of a stake in Kinnjiu by Kinnate Biopharma and the initiation of the KN-8701 study highlight the companies’ commitment to advancing innovative cancer therapies. By leveraging Kinnate’s resources and Kinnjiu’s local expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of exarafenib, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with BRAF-mutated cancers.-Fineline Info & Tech
