KayoThera is a biotech startup based in Seattle, Washington, that is pioneering a new class of oral inhibitors to target the retinoid pathway, a previously "undruggable" area that has posed challenges to drug development for nearly three decades. The company's lead product, KAYO-1609, is the first retinoid pathway inhibitor to enter Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies. This means it's in the pre-clinical phase of development, with the company expecting to file an IND application with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) by the end of 2024.

The company's primary focus is on genetically defined oncology indications, or specific types of cancer that have a genetic basis. However, it has recently expanded its pipeline to include treatments for cardiometabolic diseases, with a particular focus on Type 2 Diabetes. This expansion is supported by a recent funding round, which included a $5.2 million grant and expanded Series A funding, bringing the company's total financial support to $14 million.

KayoThera's business model is based on research and development of novel drugs, with the aim of bringing them to market and generating revenue through their sale. The company's clients are primarily healthcare providers and patients suffering from the diseases it targets. The market it operates in is the global pharmaceutical industry, specifically the oncology and cardiometabolic disease sectors.

Keywords: Biotech, Startup, Retinoid Pathway, Oral Inhibitors, Oncology, Cardiometabolic Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, Drug Development, Investigational New Drug (IND), Funding.