TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides a Corporate Update
- Phase 3 accelerated approval trial with FDA's SPA agreement could save time and money by potentially satisfying post-approval confirmatory trial requirements
- Initiated Phase 1b/2a trial targeting MCCUP, expanding potential patient population by 30%
- Strong pipeline expansion through Kineta acquisition and VISTA inhibitor program
- Greater than 90% VISTA receptor occupancy demonstrated in recent trials
- Currently under manufacturing-related partial clinical hold
- Kineta acquisition still pending, subject to financing and other conditions
- Increased expenses: R&D up to $4.6M from $3.6M YoY, G&A up to $2.4M from $1.0M YoY
Insights
TuHURA advancing multiple clinical oncology programs with imminent Phase 3 trial in Merkel cell carcinoma amid strategic expansion through Kineta acquisition.
TuHURA Biosciences is methodically executing a multi-pronged oncology strategy, with four major clinical data readouts expected in the next 24 months. The company's lead asset, IFx-Hu2.0, is advancing on two fronts against Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC): a Phase 3 accelerated approval trial in combination with pembrolizumab for first-line treatment in advanced and metastatic MCC, and a recently initiated Phase 1b/2a trial for MCC of unknown primary origin (MCCUP).
The Phase 3 trial design merits attention - it's being conducted under Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with the FDA and may satisfy requirements for a post-approval confirmatory trial if positive. This represents a significant regulatory advantage, potentially eliminating an entire phase of post-approval studies, accelerating time-to-market, and substantially reducing development costs.
The company's planned acquisition of Kineta adds a VISTA inhibiting monoclonal antibody to their portfolio. VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation) is an emerging immune checkpoint target that offers a differentiated mechanism from established checkpoints like PD-1. The
TuHURA's novel approach targeting delta opioid receptors (DOR) on myeloid-derived suppressor cells could represent a first-in-class mechanism for reprogramming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. While early-stage, this approach could have broad applications across multiple tumor types if successful.
The company's operating expenses show significant year-over-year increases, with R&D expenses up
Anticipates initiating the Company's Phase 3 accelerated approval trial of IFx-Hu2.0 as adjunctive therapy with Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) as a first-line therapy for advanced and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), conducted under Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with
Initiated a Phase 1b/2a trial of IFx-Hu2.0 as adjunctive therapy with pembrolizumab in first-line Merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin (MCCUP)
Targeting to close the acquisition of Kineta, Inc. in Q2 2025 and initiate a Phase 2 trial of Kineta's VISTA inhibiting monoclonal antibody (mAb) in NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Q3 2025
"TuHURA has had an impressive start to 2025, and we continue to execute our corporate strategy as we drive towards TuHURA's four major clinical data readouts anticipated over the next 24 months. We recently initiated our Phase 1b/2a study of IFx-Hu2.0 in combination with pembrolizumab in checkpoint-naïve MCCUP patients. Evaluating IFx-Hu2.0 in MCCUP patients is an important component of our overall strategy for the program, as the Phase 1b/2a trial will include patients without skin lesions who present with metastatic deep-seated tumors in the liver, lungs or retroperitoneum (abdomen), who are not eligible to participate in our Phase 3 accelerated approval trial due to the trial's primary lesion enrollment criteria. Approximately
"In addition to our IFx-Hu2.0 drug candidate, we continue to assemble an exciting late-stage pipeline through our pending acquisition of Kineta, Inc. and its VISTA inhibitor antibody, KVA12123. We are targeting to close the acquisition later this quarter subject to financing and other conditions and advance KVA12123 into a Phase 2 trial in relapsed or refractory NPM1-mutated AML where VISTA expression on leukemic blasts is believed to be responsible for how leukemic cells escape immune recognition contributing to poor responses to therapy and high rates of relapse," stated Dr. Bianco. "We are also developing tumor microenvironment modulators in the form of bi-specific immune modulating Antibody Peptide Conjugates (APCs) and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We plan to present data at a scientific conference this year on the discovery of high-expression delta opioid receptor (DOR) and the effect on MDSCs and M2 macrophages in the tumor environment. We believe that our DOR program has the potential to reprogram the function of MDSCs and M2 macrophages within the tumor microenvironment, which could have broad implications," concluded Dr. Bianco.
Corporate Highlights
- Initiation of Phase 1b/2a Study of IFx-Hu2.0 as Adjunctive Therapy to Keytruda in 1L MCCUP. In May 2025, TuHURA announced that it initiated its Phase 1b/2a trial of IFx-Hu2.0 as an adjunctive therapy to pembrolizumab in MCCUP. This Phase 1b/2a trial is investigating safety and feasibility of IFx-Hu2.0 when administered via interventional radiology to patients with deep-seated tumors who would not be eligible for the Phase 3 trial.
- Presentation of Two Posters at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. In April 2025, TuHURA presented a poster at the AACR Annual Meeting outlining a greater than
90% VISTA receptor occupancy following treatment with Kineta's VISTA inhibitor mAb as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors. Additionally, the Markowitz Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center presented a poster of IFx-Hu2.0, demonstrating increased T Cell and B Cell production in peripheral blood relative to tumor tissue following adjunctive administration of IFx-Hu2.0 in combination with pembrolizumab.
- Appointment of Dr. Bertrand Le Bourdonnec as Head of Drug Discovery. In April 2025, TuHURA announced the appointment of Dr. Le Bourdonnec as the Company's Executive Vice President, Head of Drug Discovery, Early Development and Program Management. Dr. Le Bourdonnec has extensive experience in the biology and molecular pharmacology of the DOR, TuHURA's core target on MDSCs for the Company's emerging suite of ADC and APC development candidates.
- Appointment of Dr. Craig L. Tendler to Board of Directors. In March 2025, TuHURA announced the appointment of industry veteran Dr. Craig Tendler to its Board of Directors. Dr. Tendler brings to TuHURA decades of experience in cancer therapeutic development, and most recently served as Johnson & Johnson's Vice President, Oncology Clinical Development. During his tenure at J&J, Dr. Tendler oversaw 30 major drug approvals, and led development planning from proof of concept through registration and life-cycle management, for J&J's treatments in hematological malignancies and more prevalent solid tumor diseases.
Upcoming Anticipated Milestones by Program
IFx-Hu2.0
- Q2 2025: TuHURA anticipates the FDA's complete response letter lifting the partial clinical hold relating to completion of certain CMC requirements.
- Q2 2025: Initiation of Phase 3 accelerated approval trial in first line Merkel cell carcinoma
VISTA Inhibiting Monoclonal Antibody
- Q2 2025: TuHURA expects to close its acquisition of Kineta, Inc. and Kineta's VISTA inhibiting mAb.
- Q3 2025: Initiation of Phase 2 trial of VISTA inhibiting mAb in combination with a menin inhibitor for the treatment of NPM1-mutated AML.
ADC and APC Development Candidates
- TuHURA continues to advance its bi-specific, bi-functional immune modulating ADCs and APCs that target the DOR on MDSCs, inhibiting their immune suppressing effects in the tumor microenvironment while localizing a checkpoint inhibitor like the VISTA inhibiting antibody.
- In 2025, TuHURA anticipates presenting non-clinical data at relevant medical meetings.
Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Research and development expenses were
General and administrative expenses were
As of March 31, 2025, TuHURA's total shares outstanding was approximately 43.7 million.
As previously announced, on December 11, 2024, TuHURA entered into a definitive agreement with Kineta, Inc. (OTC Pink: KANT) in which, as amended, TuHURA agreed to acquire Kineta, including the rights to Kineta's novel KVA12123 antibody, for a combination of cash and shares of TuHURA common stock via a merger transaction upon the terms and conditions described in TuHURA's Form 8-Ks filed on December 12, 2024 and May 7, 2025. The merger is currently targeted to close in Q2 2025 pending the satisfaction of certain financing and other closing conditions.
About TuHURA Biosciences, Inc.
TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HURA) is a Phase 3 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.
TuHURA's lead innate immune agonist, IFx-2.0, is designed to overcome primary resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. TuHURA is preparing to initiate a single randomized placebo-controlled Phase 3 registration trial of IFx-2.0 administered as an adjunctive therapy to Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) compared to Keytruda® plus placebo in first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
In addition to its innate immune agonist product candidates, TuHURA is leveraging its Delta Opioid Receptor technology to develop first-in-class, bi-specific antibody drug conjugates and antibody peptide conjugates targeting Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells to inhibit their immune-suppressing effects on the tumor microenvironment to prevent T cell exhaustion and acquired resistance to checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies.
For more information, please visit www.tuhurabio.com and connect with TuHURA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSED MERGER WITH KINETA
In connection with the proposed acquisition by merger of Kineta, Inc. ("Kineta") by TuHURA (the "Merger"), TuHURA filed with the
A definitive copy of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be mailed to Kineta and TuHURA stockholders when that document is final. Investors and stockholders will be able to obtain free copies of the documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by TuHURA, when they become available, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by TuHURA with the SEC may also be obtained free of charge at TuHURA's website at www.tuhurabio.com or upon written request to: TuHURA, 10500 University Drive, Suite 110, Tampa, Florida 33612.
NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION
This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Merger and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of TuHURA or Kineta, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
TuHURA and Kineta and their respective directors and officers and other members of management may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the Merger and other matters that may be set forth in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Information about TuHURA's directors and executive officers is set forth in TuHURA's filings with the SEC, including TuHURA's Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2025. Additional information regarding the direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in the Merger may be obtained by reading the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus when it becomes available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described above under "IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSED MERGER WITH KINETA".
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of, and subject to the safe harbor created by, Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These Forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and other future conditions. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "should," "would," "project," "plan," "expect," "goal," "seek," "future," "likely" or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions. Examples of such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to express or implied statements regarding TuHURA's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and include, without limitation, statements regarding TuHURA's IFx-Hu2.0 product candidate and anticipated Phase 3 trial, its tumor microenvironment modulators development program, its potential acquisition by merger of Kineta Inc. and the statements about Kineta's VISTA-101 development program and statements regarding the closing conditions for the transaction, TuHURA's needs and expectations regarding its existing capital resources and its need for additional capital (including financing to complete the Kineta merger), and any developments or results in connection therewith and the anticipated regulatory pathway and timing of the foregoing development programs, studies and trials. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are described in detail in our registration statements, reports and other filings with the SEC, which are available on the combined company's website, and at www.sec.gov.
The forward-looking statements and other information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and TuHURA does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Nothing herein shall constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.
Investor Contact:
Monique Kosse
Gilmartin Group
Monique@GilmartinIR.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tuhura-biosciences-inc-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results-and-provides-a-corporate-update-302457139.html
SOURCE TuHURA Biosciences, Inc.
FAQ
What are the key milestones expected for HURA stock in 2025?
How much did TuHURA Biosciences spend on R&D in Q1 2025?
What is the status of HURA's Phase 3 trial for IFx-Hu2.0?
What is the significance of TuHURA's Kineta acquisition?
How many shares of HURA stock are outstanding as of Q1 2025?
