The agreement, unanimously approved by both companies' boards, is subject to Kineta stockholder approval and other customary closing conditions. This move aims to harness the combined strengths of both companies to advance the development of innovative cancer treatments. With a strong current ratio of 4.92 and moderate debt levels, InvestingPro data shows TuHURA maintains a solid financial position to support this strategic acquisition. Subscribers can access 7 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics to better evaluate this merger's potential impact. With a strong current ratio of 4.92 and moderate debt levels, InvestingPro data shows TuHURA maintains a solid financial position to support this strategic acquisition. Subscribers can access 7 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics to better evaluate this merger's potential impact.
KVA12123 is an antibody infusion drug targeting V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a negative immune checkpoint associated with poor cancer survival rates. The treatment has completed monotherapy trials and is finishing combination trials with pembrolizumab, Merck (NS:PROR)'s anti-PD1 therapy, showing promise without inducing cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in participants.
TuHURA's President and CEO, James Bianco, M.D., emphasized the potential of KVA12123 to improve treatment responses in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in cases with NPM1 mutations. Kineta's President, Craig W. Philips, expressed that the acquisition will maximize shareholder value and advance KVA12123's clinical development.
The transaction involves a combination of cash and TuHURA common stock, with additional potential payments from the pre-closing sale of Kineta's non-KVA12123-related products. TuHURA has also agreed to fund clinical trial expenses for KVA12123 up to $900,000, with provisions for further funding if mutually agreed upon.
TuHURA is preparing for a Phase 3 trial of its own immune agonist candidate, IFx-2.0, in conjunction with pembrolizumab for advanced Merkel Cell Carcinoma. The acquisition is expected to leverage synergies with TuHURA's existing technologies and enhance its position in the field of cancer immunotherapy resistance.
The agreement, unanimously approved by both companies' boards, is subject to Kineta stockholder approval and other customary closing conditions. This move aims to harness the combined strengths of both companies to advance the development of innovative cancer treatments.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement from TuHURA Biosciences, Inc.
In other recent news, Kintara Therapeutics and TuHURA Biosciences have been progressing towards a merger, with Kintara shareholders approving the issuance of common stock related to the agreement. Kintara also plans to conduct a 1-for-35 reverse stock split before the merger. Meanwhile, TuHURA Biosciences is preparing for a Phase 3 trial of its leading drug candidate, IFx-2.0, in 2025. The company is also in discussions for the potential acquisition of KVA12123, a Phase 2 ready VISTA inhibiting antibody, from Kineta.
TuHURA has also strengthened its leadership team with new appointments and completed a $31 million financing round. Kintara's REM-001 therapy for cutaneous metastatic breast cancer has shown positive results. The merger, expected to close soon, will result in TuHURA becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kintara. These recent developments highlight the ongoing activities within both Kintara Therapeutics and TuHURA Biosciences.
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