Cancer Immunotherapy: TuHURA Biosciences to Acquire Kineta

Kineta, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies in oncology that address cancer immune resistance, has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by TuHURA Biosciences, Inc.

TuHURA is to acquire Kineta, including the rights to its novel KVA12123 antibody, for a combination of cash and shares of TuHURA common stock.

Orrick represented Kineta.

THE COMPANIES

Kineta, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a mission to develop next-generation immunotherapies that transform patients' lives.

Kineta has leveraged its expertise in innate immunity and is focused on discovering and developing potentially differentiated immunotherapies that address the major challenges with current cancer therapy.

The company's immuno-oncology pipeline includes KVA12123, a novel VISTA blocking immunotherapy in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors, and a preclinical monoclonal antibody targeting CD27.

TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. is a Phase 3 registration-stage immuno-oncology company developing novel technologies to overcome primary and acquired resistance to cancer immunotherapy, two of the most common reasons cancer immunotherapies fail to work or stop working in the majority of patients with cancer.

THE IMPACT

The acquisition "maximizes shareholder value and provides an exciting development path forward for KVA12123," said Craig W. Philips, President of Kineta.

"In addition to the TuHURA transaction, Kineta is continuing to pursue partnership opportunities for some of its other non-KVA12123-related products and technologies prior to the close of the TuHURA transaction."

THE TEAM

Albert Vanderlaan led the Orrick team that advised Kineta. The team included Anika Nayyar, Michelle Lee, Hong Tran, Susana Min and Michael Wiesner.