TuHURA Biosciences to Acquire Kineta in Strategic Merger

TuHURA Biosciences, a Phase 3 oncology company, announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire Kineta, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology firm. This acquisition will enhance TuHURA's pipeline with Kineta's novel checkpoint inhibitor, KVA12123, which targets mutated NPM1 AML.

The merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. This acquisition aligns with TuHURA's goal of overcoming resistance to cancer immunotherapies. Dr. James Bianco, CEO of TuHURA, sees potential in targeting blood cancers and complementing existing therapies.

KVA12123, a VISTA-blocking antibody, is in clinical trials for solid tumors, showing promising results without inducing cytokine release syndrome. Kineta President Craig W. Philips noted synergistic opportunities with TuHURA's technologies, foreseeing enhanced development for KVA12123.