Kereos

Kereos was a biotechnology company focused on the development of targeted imaging agents and therapeutics using a proprietary perfluorocarbon nanoparticle platform. Founded by researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, the company's technology enabled the delivery of high payloads of contrast agents or drugs specifically to sites of disease, such as tumors or atherosclerotic plaques. Their lead programs targeted the alpha-v beta-3 integrin, a biomarker for angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. The company's lead candidate, KI-0001, reached Phase 1 clinical trials as a targeted MRI contrast agent. Kereos also explored therapeutic applications, including the delivery of paclitaxel and other small molecules via their nanoparticle system. Although the company demonstrated significant innovation in nanomedicine, it has since ceased operations.