KAYO-2000

KAYO-2000 is an orally available, first-in-class therapeutic being developed by Kayothera for the treatment of obesity. It targets a genetically validated marker in the rexinoid (retinoid nuclear receptor) pathway, which regulates thyroid and mitochondrial function. The drug acts by preventing the formation of the retinoid nuclear receptor ligand, thereby inhibiting activation of this pathway. This mechanism is analogous to how aromatase inhibitors work in the estrogen receptor pathway. Activation of the retinoid pathway has been associated with acute metabolic dysregulation and cancer-promoting effects; thus, inhibition may reverse progression of multiple cardiometabolic diseases and aggressive cancers. KAYO-2000 is positioned as a next-generation oral weight-loss therapy[1][2].