Kosan Biosciences is an established cancer therapeutics company focused on advancing two new classes of anticancer agents through clinical development: heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors and epothilones.

Kosan has built an industry-leading position in Hsp90 inhibitors. Hsp90 inhibitors have a novel mechanism of action targeting multiple pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Kosan's drug candidates have demonstrated the potential to overcome resistance after relapse and to synergize the initial activity of existing cancer therapies. Kosan’s lead Hsp90 inhibitor, tanespimycin (KOS-953), is being tested in combination with bortezomib (Velcade®) in patients with multiple myeloma in a registration program called Tanespimycin in Myeloma Evaluation (TIME). Tanespimycin is also being studied in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin®), with plans to further pursue development of tanespimycin in metastatic breast cancer.

Kosan's epothilone drug candidates have the potential to compete in the emerging epothilone market. Epothilones inhibit cell division with a mechanism of action similar to taxanes, one of the most widely used classes of chemotherapeutic agents. Kosan's compounds have been specially engineered to overcome resistance to taxanes and to have an attractive clinical profile. A Phase 2 trial of Kosan's lead epothilone drug candidate, KOS-1584, has been initiated in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Kosan has demonstrated a strong track record of achievement and productivity. The company is well-capitalized and has built a strong proprietary position. Kosan has demonstrated the ability to establish strong validating partnerships and has numerous assets for partnering.

Kosan was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Hayward, California. The company currently has approximately 90 employees.

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