Kimer Med, a New Zealand-based biotech startup, has recently secured a contract worth NZD $1.3 million to lead advancements in antiviral drug development. The 12-month contract, funded by the United States government through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), has been awarded to Battelle, a renowned independent research and development organization.

The focus of the contract is on the discovery and development of new antiviral drug candidates for the treatment of alphaviruses, which are known to cause significant human and animal disease. Alphaviruses, primarily transmitted by infected ticks and mosquitoes, can lead to fatal encephalitis and ongoing neurological issues. Currently, there is a lack of effective antiviral treatments for alphavirus infection.

Since its establishment in 2020, Kimer Med has made substantial progress in developing antivirals that have demonstrated efficacy against 11 different viruses, including Dengue and Zika. The company’s innovative technology shows great potential in delivering essential broad-spectrum antiviral treatments with diverse applications, ranging from infectious diseases and pandemic protection to military and healthcare use.