KalVista Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:KALV) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of small-molecule protease inhibitors. The company’s research centers on plasma kallikrein and other serine proteases implicated in a range of diseases, including hereditary angioedema (HAE), diabetic macular edema (DME) and other protease‐mediated disorders. KalVista leverages proprietary chemistry and biology platforms to generate orally administered inhibitors with the potential to address unmet medical needs.
The company’s lead programs target both on-demand and prophylactic treatment of HAE through selective plasma kallikrein inhibitors. KVD900 is being evaluated for acute attack management, while KVD824 is designed for long‐term prophylaxis. In ophthalmology, KVD001 is under development as an intravitreal therapy for DME, having demonstrated proof‐of‐concept in early clinical studies. Additional preclinical programs extend KalVista’s reach into other protease‐driven conditions, reinforcing its strategy of using a singular modality across multiple therapeutic areas.
Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, with a complementary research and development site in Cambridge, Massachusetts, KalVista maintains operations that span Europe and North America. The company has established collaborations with academic institutions and contract research organizations to support its discovery efforts and clinical development programs. These partnerships enhance KalVista’s capabilities in translational science and regulatory strategy.
Originally founded in 2006 as a protease inhibitor research unit within Vernalis plc, KalVista was spun out in 2015 to focus exclusively on small-molecule therapies. The company is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Cal Alvarez, whose leadership team brings extensive expertise in pharmaceutical development, regulatory affairs and commercial planning. KalVista remains committed to advancing its pipeline through clinical milestones and fostering strategic alliances to deliver innovative treatments for patients.
