Kovina Therapeutics has received a $2.3 million Direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research award from the National Cancer Institute to advance its lead oral small-molecule therapy targeting HPV-driven cancers.
The two-year award will support Investigational New Drug-enabling development of Kovina’s lead program.
Kovina is developing first-in-class small molecules designed to directly target the Human Papillomavirus E6 oncoprotein.
E6 contributes to HPV-positive cancers by degrading the tumor suppressor p53 and is required for HPV-positive cancer cell survival.
Kovina’s approach is intended to inhibit E6 and restore p53 function.
The award follows publication of Kovina research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that validated direct pharmacologic targeting of HPV E6.
The research demonstrated restoration of p53 tumor suppressor activity, selective killing of HPV-positive cancer cells and tumor growth inhibition in HPV-positive preclinical models.
The NCI funding will support chemistry, manufacturing and controls work, IND-enabling pharmacology and toxicology and other activities required to prepare an IND application.
Kovina noted that HPV causes an estimated 39,300 cancers annually in the U.S. despite the availability of preventive vaccines.
The company believes direct targeting of E6 could ultimately have applications across HPV-associated disease ranging from premalignant conditions to invasive cancers.
KEY QUOTES:
“This award comes at an important point for Kovina as we move from compelling preclinical science into formal development. Together with our recent PNAS publication, the NCI support gives us significant momentum as we advance our lead program through IND-enabling development and toward the clinic.”
Kristin Sherman, Chief Executive Officer of Kovina Therapeutics
“HPV E6 has long been recognized as a compelling cancer target but directly inhibiting it with a small molecule has been challenging. Our work demonstrates that E6 can be specifically targeted, restoring p53 and selectively killing HPV-positive cancer cells. This gives us a strong foundation for translating the biology into a new therapeutic approach.”
Elliot Androphy, M.D., Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Kovina Therapeutics
