ImageneBio Appoints Kristin Yarema as CEO, Merges with Ikena Oncology, Raises $75M

Ikena Oncology and Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals have merged to form ImageneBio, with Dr. Kristin Yarema as CEO. The merged company will focus on developing its lead program, IMG-007, targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. A $75 million private placement accompanies the merger, providing essential capital for future endeavors. ImageneBio will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "IMA".

Ikena Oncology and Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals have merged to form ImageneBio, a new biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The merger, which closed on July 25, 2025, was supported by a $75 million private placement, providing essential capital for future endeavors [1].

Dr. Kristin Yarema has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of ImageneBio. With over 20 years of experience in biotechnology, including leadership roles at Poseida Therapeutics and Atara Biotherapeutics, Dr. Yarema will lead the development of Imagene’s lead therapeutic candidate, IMG-007, which targets OX40 for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases [2].

The merged company will operate under the name ImageneBio and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "IMA". The merger was approved by both companies' shareholders and is expected to close by the end of July 2025 [2].

References:
[1] https://www.cooley.com/news/coverage/2025/2025-07-25-inmagene-biopharmaceuticals-completes-merger-with-ikena-oncology-updated
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/ikena-oncology-and-inmagene-biopharmaceuticals-announce-appointment-kristin-yarema-phd-ceo