#United States #Tampa #Kineta #Immuno-Oncology #TuHURA Biosciences

TuHURA Biosciences Enhances Pipeline with Kineta Acquisition

On June 30, 2025, TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. announced a significant step forward in its journey within the immuno-oncology landscape by completing the acquisition of Kineta, Inc. This merger introduces a novel VISTA-inhibiting monoclonal antibody, previously known as KVA1213, and now designated as TBS-2025, into TuHURA's late-stage pipeline. This addition is particularly promising, as it aims to tackle the dual challenges of primary and acquired resistance to cancer immunotherapy, issues that affect treatment efficacy for many patients.

Dr. James Bianco, President and CEO of TuHURA, expressed optimism regarding TBS-2025, which is set to undergo a Phase 2 randomized trial slated for the latter half of 2025. The acquisition is expected to not only diversify TuHURA's product offerings but also leverage synergies with existing therapeutic strategies, particularly with their antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology.

The Science Behind the Acquisition

TBS-2025 is anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing patient responses to treatments by targeting VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation), a key immune checkpoint primarily found on myeloid cells and T cells in a quiescent state. Studies have shown that heightened levels of VISTA expression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can lead to suppressed T cell activity and contribute to poor treatment outcomes, particularly in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by certain mutations.

The strategic focus will involve assessing TBS-2025 in tandem with menin inhibitors in patients with NPM1 mutated relapsed or refractory AML. This combination aims to address the immune evasion tactics employed by leukemic cells, potentially improving therapy response rates and decreasing relapse rates.

Details of the Merger

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Kineta's shareholders will receive a conversion of their common stock into TuHURA shares. Each Kineta share will entitle the holder to receive a portion of TuHURA shares, leading to a total issuance of approximately 2,868,169 shares. Furthermore, post-merger, an additional allocation of shares will become available subject to specific conditions.

This acquisition also unlocks $12.5 million in financing that was previously established, emphasizing the financial backing available for further development of this new asset.

Future Directions and Opportunities

Looking ahead, TuHURA’s commitment to anti-cancer therapies is reflected in its ongoing Phase 3 randomized trial for IFx-2.0, which aims to enhance responses to established therapies like Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) in patients suffering from metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. Notably, TuHURA’s approach incorporates innovative strategies utilizing their Delta Opioid Receptor technology to develop unique bi-specific antibody drug conjugates targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). This effort signifies a broader tendency to explore immune modulation as a method to prevent treatment resistance and exhaustion of T cells.

To stay updated on their advancements and developments, patients and stakeholders can follow TuHURA’s progress through their official communications and social media platforms.

In conclusion, the integration of Kineta into TuHURA's portfolio is expected to bolster their position in the immuno-oncology sector and further drive therapeutic innovations to combat the complexities associated with cancer treatments. This acquisition not only aligns with TuHURA's mission but also holds the potential to significantly impact the landscape of cancer immunotherapy.