Gyre Therapeutics' TuHURA Expands Immuno-Oncology Pipeline with Kineta Acquisition and TBS-2025
- TuHURA Biosciences acquires Kineta, adding the monoclonal antibody TBS-2025 to its immuno-oncology pipeline.
- TBS-2025 targets VISTA in NPM1 mutated acute myeloid leukemia, addressing resistance to existing immunotherapies.
- The acquisition enhances TuHURA's competitive edge and supports its commitment to innovative cancer therapies.
TuHURA Biosciences Expands Immuno-Oncology Pipeline with Acquisition of Kineta
In a significant advancement in immuno-oncology, TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. has finalized the acquisition of Kineta, Inc., which introduces a promising new drug candidate named TBS-2025 into its pipeline. TBS-2025 is a monoclonal antibody specifically designed to inhibit VISTA, a protein that plays a crucial role in immune evasion, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with NPM1 mutations. This acquisition not only expands TuHURA's therapeutic offerings but also aligns with the company's mission to tackle various forms of cancer resistance to immunotherapy.
The TBS-2025 candidate is poised to enter a randomized Phase 2 clinical trial in the second half of 2025, targeting a patient population suffering from NPM1 mutated AML. Dr. James Bianco, President and CEO of TuHURA, emphasizes that TBS-2025 will address acquired resistance to existing cancer immunotherapies, complementing their current asset, IFx-2.0, which is aimed at primary resistance in Merkel cell carcinoma. The strategic positioning of TBS-2025 not only broadens TuHURA's scope but also enhances its competitive edge in the immuno-oncology landscape, where innovative solutions are critical to improving patient outcomes.
Research indicates that mutations in NPM1 and DNM3TA lead to increased VISTA expression on leukemic cells, which contributes to poor treatment responses and high relapse rates. TuHURA plans to investigate the efficacy of TBS-2025 in conjunction with menin inhibitors, the standard treatment for relapsed or refractory NPM1 mutated AML. The company is focused on conducting a cost-effective Phase 2 study to improve response rates and mitigate relapse incidences, thereby addressing a significant unmet need in this patient population. The acquisition of Kineta and the development of TBS-2025 mark a pivotal moment for TuHURA, reinforcing its commitment to innovative cancer therapies.
In addition to the acquisition, the deal triggers the fourth tranche of a $12.5 million aggregate PIPE financing announced earlier this year, providing TuHURA with additional capital to support its expanding research initiatives. The integration of TBS-2025 into TuHURA's pipeline showcases the company’s strategic approach to enhancing its immuno-oncology offerings and underscores its dedication to addressing the complexities of cancer treatment.
This acquisition not only broadens TuHURA's therapeutic portfolio but also reflects the growing trend in the biopharmaceutical industry toward consolidations and partnerships that enhance research capabilities and accelerate the development of innovative therapies. As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, TuHURA's focused approach may position it favorably in a competitive market, ultimately benefiting patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
