ShK-186 Based Drug, Developed Through Research of Peptides International Chemists, Passes Phase 1

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - May 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Peptides International Inc., a privately held biotech company, is proud to report that Dalazatide (formerly known as ShK-186), a venom-derived peptide from a sea anemone similar to Stichodactyla Toxin (ShK) (Amide) (https://www.pepnet.com/Products/Detail/1831/Stichodactyla-Toxin-%28ShK%29-%28Amide%29) licensed to the biotechnology company Kineta, Inc., has shown encouraging results from a phase 1 clinical trial.  ShK-186 was developed through the NIH funded research of Dr. Michael W.Pennington (https://www.pepnet.com/about-peptides-international/leadership/6/Dr.-Michael-W.-Pennington), the President and CEO of Peptides International, with his colleagues Dr. Christine Beeton and Dr. K. George Chandy. Notably in the Ph1b psoriasis trial, the cohort receiving the highest dose of 60 mcg demonstrated statistically significant improvement in their psoriasis area and severity index in 9 out of 10 patients. Kineta announced today that the drug, Dalazatide, is the first specific Kv1.3 inhibitor advanced into human clinical trials. Dalazatide is being studied as a potential therapy for a whole host of autoimmune diseases, including: multiple sclerosis, lupus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, atopic dermatitis and autoimmune eye diseases.  Kineta said that it now expects to begin recruiting patients for the phase 2 clinical trials sometime early next year.