Kinoxis Therapeutics raises A$6.8M Series B led by Main Sequence

Kinoxis Therapeutics Secures A$6.8M Series B

Kinoxis Therapeutics, an Australian clinical-stage biotechnology company, has raised A$6.8 million in Series B funding. The round was announced on September 22, 2026, and was led by Main Sequence.

What Kinoxis Does

Kinoxis Therapeutics develops first-in-class, brain-penetrant small-molecule inhibitors of ALOX15, an enzyme implicated in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The company is advancing KNX100, a short-acting ALOX15 inhibitor, in the CARES-X Phase 2 trial for agitation associated with dementia. It is also developing next-generation long-acting candidates such as KNX101, which targets chronic agitation and pain.

Beyond its core programs, Kinoxis is evaluating alcohol use disorder as an indication expansion opportunity and pursues partnerships across neuropsychiatry and pain.

Company Background

Founded in 2017 as a University of Sydney spinout, Kinoxis Therapeutics is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Investors

The Series B round included participation from:

• Main Sequence (lead)
• Uniseed
• UniSuper
• University of Sydney

Why It Matters

Kinoxis is targeting agitation associated with dementia, a condition with significant unmet need and limited treatment options. Its lead candidate, KNX100, is already in a Phase 2 trial, placing the company in clinical-stage territory. The ALOX15 inhibition mechanism represents a differentiated approach focused on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

The company's pipeline extends beyond its lead asset, with long-acting candidates and an indication expansion into alcohol use disorder. This breadth could support multiple partnership or licensing opportunities across neuropsychiatry and pain.

Acquisition Angle

For acquirers in neuroscience and neuropsychiatry, Kinoxis offers a clinical-stage asset in a space with high barriers to entry and substantial commercial potential. The company's origin as a University of Sydney spinout and backing from institutional investors including UniSuper and Main Sequence provide a validated research and funding foundation. Its ALOX15 platform could be attractive to larger biopharma companies seeking to bolster their neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation portfolios.

With the Series B funding, Kinoxis is positioned to continue advancing KNX100 through clinical development and to progress its next-generation candidates.