Kinoxis Therapeutics Pty Ltd, an Australian clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class ALOX15 inhibitors for high-need central nervous system indications, announced on 22 September 2026 that it has secured significant new funding. The company completed a A$6.75 million financing round and was awarded a A$2.5 million CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline grant. The combined A$9.25 million will support development efforts in dementia-related agitation and pain.
Funding and Strategic Support
The financing round includes a A$5 million investment from Main Sequence, which joins Kinoxis as a new investor. Existing shareholders also participated, while the company gains a partner with deep experience supporting Australian science-led ventures. The additional capital will be used to advance the company's ALOX15 inhibitor programs and to progress its clinical-stage pipeline.
Dr Elaine Stead will join the Kinoxis Board in connection with Main Sequence's investment. She is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and scientist with a PhD in Biochemistry and extensive experience in healthcare innovation, venture investment, and technology commercialisation. Her appointment is expected to strengthen governance as the company advances its clinical-stage and broader ALOX15 programs.
Company Background and Investor Base
Founded in 2017 as a University of Sydney spinout, Kinoxis is now based in Melbourne. The company previously raised a A$14.5 million Series B two years ago and a A$5 million Series A2 in December 2020. Its shareholder base includes Uniseed, UniSuper, Sydney University, Stoic VC, Avicella Capital, and several sophisticated investors.
Advancing the Lead Clinical Program
Kinoxis' lead program, KNX100, is a rapid, short-acting small-molecule inhibitor of ALOX15. It is currently being evaluated in the CARES-X Phase 2 clinical trial for targeted management of persistent agitation and rapid treatment of acute agitation episodes associated with dementia. Topline data from the study are expected in mid-2027, providing an important readout for the program.
The CARES-X trial has now passed 50 percent of its recruitment target. Recruitment has expanded into hospital-based dementia wards and residential aged care facilities, broadening access to people living with advanced dementia and frequent or severe agitation. This expansion complements the study's existing community-based recruitment pathway and aims to reflect real-world care settings.
Next-Generation Pipeline and Grant Focus
Beyond KNX100, Kinoxis is developing a suite of next-generation, long-acting ALOX15 inhibitors for acute and chronic pain, as well as chronic agitation associated with dementia. Lead optimisation is nearing completion, and IND-enabling toxicology studies are planned to commence on lead candidate KNX101 by the end of 2026. The CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline grant will specifically support KNX101 as a potential treatment for chronic agitation and aggression associated with dementia.
The A$2.5 million CUREator+ grant was awarded through Round 2 of the CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline program. That national program is funded by the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund and delivered by Brandon BioCatalyst in partnership with ANDHealth and Dementia Australia. It supports the translation and commercialisation of Australian research and innovation addressing dementia and cognitive decline.
With the financing round and government grant secured, Kinoxis will continue progressing the CARES-X Phase 2 clinical trial toward mid-2027 data. The company also plans to advance its next-generation ALOX15 inhibitors and pursue strategic partnership opportunities across neuropsychiatry and pain. These new resources position Kinoxis to expand its development pipeline and move closer to delivering potential treatments for dementia-related agitation and other conditions.