Kovina Therapeutics Receives Grant from NIH to Advance Human Papillomavirus Premalignant Infection Treatments

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kovina Therapeutics Inc. announced receipt of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) one-year Phase I award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/NIH to treat Human Papillomavirus (HPV) premalignant infections. The award provides approximately $300,000 with the opportunity for advancement to Phase 2.

“We are pleased to receive a second grant from NIH to support Kovina’s research and development efforts. The award from NIAID supports the company’s development of therapeutics to treat HPV premalignant infections which represent a global health challenge,” said Kristin Sherman, CEO of Kovina Therapeutics.

“Kovina’s exciting, novel research proposal merited award after rigorous review by the NIH,” said Dr. Elliot Androphy, CSO of Kovina Therapeutics. “Our compounds specifically target an essential HPV protein expressed in early, premalignant, and cancerous pathologies. Inactivation of this protein results in the selective death of HPV infected cells. Our therapeutics are designed to stop HPV premalignant infections before cancer develops and to treat HPV cancers after detection.”

About Kovina Therapeutics

Kovina Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class antiviral therapies to treat cancers and premalignant infections caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Kovina has assembled a team of scientists and industry leaders with expertise in HPV and small molecule drug design to advance its pipeline of drug candidates. To learn more, visit www.Kovina.com.