Kimer Med, a New Zealand (NZ)-based biotech startup, has signed a contract valued at up to $750,000 (NZD$1.3 million) with Battelle, the world's largest independent, nonprofit research and development organisation.

The 12 month contract is funded by the United States government through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and will fall into Battelle's Accelerated Therapeutics for Combating Acute Viral Epidemics programme. The contract is focused on the discovery and development of new antiviral drug candidates for the treatment of alphaviruses.

Spread mostly by infected ticks and mosquitoes, alphaviruses cause significant human and animal disease. Infections that result in encephalitis - inflammation and swelling of the brain - are often fatal and can cause ongoing neurological problems. There is currently no effective antiviral treatment for alphavirus infection.

Since the company's launch in 2020, Kimer Med has developed antivirals that have shown in vitro efficacy against 11 different viruses, including the priority viruses Dengue (all four serotypes) and Zika.

Their technology holds significant promise to deliver vital broad-spectrum antiviral treatments with a range of applications, including infectious diseases; pandemic protection; military use; and healthcare and first responders.