THE PROBLEM

As the first indication for our new compounds, we targeted Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which affects ~1.5 million Americans costing an estimated $140 billion annually. Current first-line treatments like methotrexate (MTX) are often ineffective (only ~50% achieve remission) and carry significant toxicities (liver, bone marrow, GI). This leads to poor patient adherence and treatment changes, highlighting a critical need for safer, more effective oral therapies.

OUR SOLUTION

Krateos is developing KRT-B1, a patented, first-in-class oral small molecule. KRT-B1 works by selectively inhibiting the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) in the intestine. This targeted approach will achieve the necessary anti-proliferative effects for RA treatment by reducing intestinal folate uptake, thereby minimizing the systemic toxicities associated with traditional antifolates like MTX.

PROGRESS & TECHNOLOGY

Krateos has an exclusive option from Texas A&M for the foundational patent (US20250002492A1). Proof-of-concept is supported by:

• Mechanism: Demonstrated in vitro folate uptake inhibition.

• Safety: Favorable in vitro ADME/Tox profiles and safe in vivo, in rodents.