Turin, Italy — 29 September 2026 — Kither Biotech, a Claris Ventures portfolio company developing therapies for respiratory diseases, has dosed the first patients in a Phase 1b/2a clinical study of KIT2014 in adults with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study is taking place at multiple sites in Australia. Its primary focus is the safety and tolerability of inhaled KIT2014, with additional assessments of pharmacokinetics and early signs of efficacy.
A novel inhaled approach
KIT2014 is an investigational, cell-permeable peptide consisting of 42 amino acids. It is designed to enhance bronchodilation and reduce lung inflammation through balanced dual inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 (PDE3/4), increasing local levels of the signalling molecule cAMP.
The trial will measure lung function to assess bronchodilation and explore changes in inflammatory cells and protein biomarkers in induced sputum. Initial results are expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Building on Phase 1
The new trial follows a Phase 1 study in 56 healthy participants. According to Kither Biotech, inhaled KIT2014 was safe and well tolerated at daily doses from 0.1 mg to 2 mg for up to seven days. Plasma levels remained below the limit of detection across the single- and multiple-ascending-dose parts of the study, indicating very low systemic exposure.
The Phase 1b/2a study will now investigate the candidate in patients with COPD. KIT2014 remains in clinical development; its efficacy in this patient population has yet to be established.
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Source: Kither Biotech press release, 29 September 2026. Image: AI-generated conceptual illustration of respiratory research.