TuHURA acquires Kineta, adds VISTA inhibiting mAb to immuno-oncology pipeline.

TuHURA Biosciences has completed the acquisition of Kineta, adding a Phase 2 ready VISTA inhibiting monoclonal antibody to its immuno-oncology pipeline. The acquisition unlocks the fourth tranche of funds from a $12.5 million PIPE financing. TuHURA plans to initiate a Phase 2 randomized trial for the VISTA inhibiting antibody in 2H 2025. The deal expands TuHURA's pipeline to overcome primary resistance to cancer immunotherapy.

TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: HURA) has successfully completed its acquisition of Kineta, Inc., adding a Phase 2 ready VISTA inhibiting monoclonal antibody to its immuno-oncology pipeline. The acquisition has unlocked the fourth tranche of funds from a $12.5 million PIPE financing, totaling $2.23 million [2].

The combined company aims to initiate a Phase 2 randomized trial for the VISTA inhibiting antibody in the second half of 2025 (2H 2025). This deal significantly expands TuHURA's pipeline to address primary resistance to cancer immunotherapy, a critical challenge in the field of cancer treatment [1].

Prior to the merger, Kineta's VISTA therapy, KVA12123, had entered Phase 1/2 trials for solid tumors but was paused in 2024 due to corporate restructuring. The acquisition of Kineta brings this promising asset back into development, positioning TuHURA as a leader in overcoming primary and acquired resistance to cancer immunotherapies [1].

The merger also includes Tuhura's clinical-stage immuno-oncology platform, including its Phase 3-ready lead asset IFx-2.0, and Kineta's Vista-blocking antibody KVA12123 and a preclinical CD27-targeted therapy. The merged company plans to address primary and acquired resistance to current cancer immunotherapies [1].

Tuhura stockholders approved key measures, including increasing authorized shares to 200 million and reincorporating the company in Delaware. The merger is expected to close soon, subject to the fulfillment or waiver of remaining conditions [1].

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References:
[1] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/tuhura-biosciences-surges-after-hours-as-investors-bet-on-kineta-merger-cancer-drug-pipeline/chmEuW5RRdJ
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tuhura-biosciences-initiates-its-phase-3-accelerated-approval-trial-of-ifx-2-0-as-an-adjunctive-therapy-to-keytruda-pembrolizumab-in-first-line-treatment-for-advanced-or-metastatic-merkel-cell-carcinoma-302489200.html