Kineta Grants Exclusive Rights and First Offer Option to TuHURA Biosciences for VISTA Antibody

Kineta, Inc. (Nasdaq: KA), a biotechnology company in the clinical stage of development, has entered into a significant agreement with TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. This agreement grants TuHURA an exclusive right to negotiate the acquisition of Kineta’s KVA12123 immuno-oncology drug program. Kineta will receive a nonrefundable payment of $5 million from TuHURA as part of this arrangement.

KVA12123, Kineta’s VISTA blocking immunotherapy, is currently undergoing a Phase 1/Phase 2 clinical trial in the United States, targeting patients with advanced solid tumors. The trial includes both a monotherapy arm, which uses KVA12123 alone, and a combination arm that pairs KVA12123 with Merck’s anti-PD1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). Initial results from this study, shared in April at the American Association of Cancer Research, indicated that the drug has been well tolerated, showing no dose-limiting toxicities or cytokine release syndrome. Further data from this study is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Craig W. Philips, President of Kineta, expressed confidence in TuHURA Biosciences, citing their expertise in the field and their readiness to advance the KVA12123 program. TuHURA, being a Phase 3 registration-stage immuno-oncology company, is seen as an apt partner for developing this promising treatment option for cancer patients.

Kineta focuses on pioneering next-generation immunotherapies to address the significant challenges faced in current cancer treatments. The company’s pipeline features KVA12123, a novel VISTA blocking immunotherapy, and a preclinical monoclonal antibody targeting CD27. Kineta’s approach integrates unique epitope binding with an optimized IgG1 Fc region to inhibit tumor growth effectively. This mechanism is designed to complement existing T cell-focused therapies and may prove beneficial for treating various cancers, including non-small cell lung, colorectal, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck, and ovarian cancers.

In early 2024, Kineta underwent a major corporate restructuring to reduce expenses and conserve cash, following an indication from investors that they would not fulfill their funding obligations. This restructuring involved a significant reduction in workforce and the suspension of new patient enrollment in the ongoing VISTA-101 Phase 1/2 clinical trial. However, patients already enrolled in the trial are allowed to continue their participation. Amid these changes, Kineta is exploring strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.

In summary, the exclusivity and right of first offer agreement with TuHURA marks a pivotal moment for Kineta, with the potential to significantly advance their KVA12123 immunotherapy. The collaboration leverages TuHURA’s advanced stage and expertise in the field, aiming to provide new treatment options for cancer patients and addressing immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment.