TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. has entered into an Exclusivity and Right of First Offer Agreement with Kineta, Inc. for the potential acquisition of Kineta's KVA12123 anti-VISTA antibody and related rights and assets associated with and derived from the asset.

"KVA12123 has multiple synergies with both of our IFx and Delta receptor technologies and could be a promising addition to our pipeline, bringing in a potential Phase 2 ready, novel checkpoint inhibitor," commented Dr. James Bianco, Chief Executive Officer of TuHURA.  

"Unlike other checkpoint inhibitors which work on activated T-cells, KVA12123 focuses on VISTA, which is the only known checkpoint on quiescent T-cells preventing their activation and represents a promising new target in cancer immunotherapy.  VISTA is highly overexpressed on tumors known not to respond to currently marketed checkpoint inhibitors most notably gynecologic cancers like ovarian cancer. They are also expressed on myeloid cells including tumor associated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which, like VISTA, are also implicated in TME immunosuppression.  Our novel bi-functional Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are intended to target and block the delta receptor on MDSCs,” said Dr. James Bianco.

Under the terms of the Agreement, TuHURA will pay Kineta USD 5.0 million, with USD 2.5 million paid at signing and, subject to certain provisions, an additional USD 2.5 million to be paid by July 15, 2024.

In conjunction with the Agreement, TuHURA sold USD 5.0 million of shares of its common stock in a private offering to an existing shareholder. The exclusivity period under the Agreement lasts for 90 days (until October 1, 2024), subject to extension for an additional 20 days.