Authored by James Sheppard
The Dutch biotechnology company Kiadis Pharma is continuing on its positive trajectory following the release of positive phase II clinical update for lead asset ATIR. Initial top line data for the trial is expected to be released in H1 2014.
ATIR is a cell based product designed to enable stem cell transplantations from partially mismatched family donors. The phase II study was conducted in 23 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The phase II study is built on the back of successful phase I/II results for ATIR. Kiadis recently reported 5 year follow up data from its phase I/II trial with ATIR. The data showed a 65% survival rate and no transplant related mortalities. ATIR received Orphan Drug Designation in both the USA and Europe.
The clinical update marks the end of a successful year for Kiadis. One in which it saw them granted a US patent for ATIR, finalise its manufacturing agreement and receive GMP license and receive over $4m from the Dutch government for its phase II trial. This positive news comes on the back of Kiadis successfully raising $20m in private financing to advance its oncology pipeline.
Kiadis pharma is backed by some of the leading venture capital firms including Alta Partners, Life Science Partners, Esprit Capital Partners and MedSciences Capital. This has meant the company can draw on an illustrious list of advisors and senior management. Kiadis is led by biotech veteran Dr Manfred Rudiger who can count Affimed, 4SC, Cardion, Igeneon, t2cure and Aphton among his employment history. Strong leadership is crucial in any biotech venture and Kiadis, under Dr Rudiger’s leadership, have a team highly capable of extending the company’s recent successes.
Kiadis is one of a number of innovative biotechnology companies pushing the boundaries in haematology in Europe. The recent clinical successes of companies such as Kiadis are testament to Europe’s critical place in haematology research. Dr Rudiger and his team have been riding high of late with some positive clinical data and may industry eyes are eagerly awaiting the next update in H1 2014.
