Kineta to Participate in "VISTA: A New Immune Checkpoint in Cancer, Autoimmunity and Beyond" Virtual Symposium

SEATTLE, June 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kineta, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel immunotherapies in oncology, announced today that Thierry Guillaudeux, Ph.D., SVP Immuno-oncology at Kineta, will participate in the virtual symposium "VISTA: A New Immune Checkpoint in Cancer, Autoimmunity and Beyond," taking place on June 18, 2021.

The symposium will focus on the emerging checkpoint molecule VISTA, its function, the role it plays in several disease areas and current development programs. The event will be hosted by Randolph Noelle, Ph.D., Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; and Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Presentation Details:

"I am pleased to participate in this exciting event," said Thierry Guillaudeux of Kineta.  "VISTA is an important target that I believe has a central role in converting cold, hard-to-treat tumors into hot tumors that are more susceptible to treatment.  This myeloid checkpoint has the potential to improve cancer management for patients in a variety of solid tumors."

Kineta is developing KVA12.1, a novel anti-VISTA antibody in preclinical evaluation for the treatment of solid tumors.  VISTA is a key driver of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and is overexpressed on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). It is a critical myeloid cell immune-checkpoint, and VISTA blockade can reprogram suppressive myeloid cells and reactivate antitumor immune function. Blocking VISTA activates an immune cell cascade that increases T cell effector functions to drive an efficient anti-tumor response. Preclinical studies have demonstrated single agent anti-VISTA activity but also demonstrate that targeting VISTA in combination with PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA-4 can significantly improve the efficacy of those checkpoint inhibitors. 

Kineta, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to developing disruptive life science technologies that address unmet patient needs.  We have leveraged our expertise in immunology to advance a focused pipeline of investigational drugs in oncology and neuroscience.  We actively collaborate with a broad array of private, government and industry partners to advance our innovative products. For more information on Kineta visit our website, www.kinetabio.com, follow us on Twitter at @kinetabio, LinkedIn and Like us on facebook.com/KinetaBio.

NOTICE: This document contains certain forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding Kineta's plans for pre-clinical and clinical studies, regulatory filings, investor returns and anticipated drug effects in human subjects. You are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties inherent in Kineta's business which could significantly affect expected results, including without limitation progress of drug development, ability to raise capital to fund drug development, clinical testing and regulatory approval, developments in raw material and personnel costs, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Kineta undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.

Contact Jacques Bouchy
[email protected]
(206) 378-0400

SOURCE Kineta, Inc.