4SC AG Receives Research Grant from the Bavarian Research Foundation

The consortium composed of 4SC, Kinaxo Biotechnologies AG, Martinsried, Germany, and the Virological Institute of the Erlangen University Hospital, Germany, will receive EUR 700,000 for this three year project.  The research project will focus on the discovery of small-molecule kinase inhibitors with a dual-mode of action that can selectively inhibit viral and cellular protein kinases. Kinase inhibitors are a commonly used drug class in cancer and inflammation as they can modulate signalling pathways in cells which can lead to various disease states.  In viral diseases, current molecular treatments inhibit either a viral target or a target in the infected host cell. However, this approach allows viruses to build resistance quickly, as they are able to mutate and continue to replicate in host cells.  By investigating protein kinase inhibitors in viral diseases, it is hoped that a dual-mode of action could target the virus and host cells concurrently, thereby potentially delaying a resistance to treatments for longer.

Dr Daniel Vitt, Chief Scientific Officer at 4SC AG, commented, 'We are pleased to have received this research grant in order to support our drug discovery.  At 4SC, research is an integral part of our business strategy as it ensures the future generation of clinical drug candidates for our pipeline. Working closely with research institutions and companies is an important part of this process as it helps us to remain at the forefront of new research and drive the innovation required to develop more effective medicines for patients in the future.'