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Keros (NASDAQ: KROS) swings to Q1 2026 loss as Takeda license boost fades

Filing Impact
(Moderate)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Keros Therapeutics reported a net loss of $23.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with net income of $148.5 million a year earlier. The swing mainly reflects the absence of large license revenue recognized in 2025 from its agreement with Takeda and lower research and development activity.

Revenue fell to $0.4 million from $211.2 million, while research and development expenses declined to $16.1 million from $48.7 million as elritercept costs shifted to Takeda and a 2025 corporate restructuring reduced spending. General and administrative expenses were stable at $10.1 million. Keros ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $281.5 million and expects this to fund operations into the first half of 2028, while its partner Takeda plans to advance elritercept into a Phase 3 trial for anemia in myelofibrosis.

Positive

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Insights

Keros swings to a loss as one-time Takeda revenue rolls off, but cash runway remains solid.

Keros Therapeutics posted a $23.7 million Q1 2026 net loss after recognizing substantial license revenue from Takeda in Q1 2025. Current revenue is minimal at $0.4 million, while operating expenses declined meaningfully, especially in research and development.

Research and development fell to $16.1 million, largely due to Takeda assuming elritercept costs and a prior corporate restructuring. Cash and cash equivalents of $281.5 million are expected to fund operations into the first half of 2028, which is important for supporting trials of rinvatercept and elritercept.

Takeda’s plan to move elritercept into a Phase 3 trial in myelofibrosis adds potential value to that program without Keros bearing full development costs. Subsequent filings may provide more detail on clinical progress and any changes to spending as the pipeline advances.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net income (loss) Q1 2026 $23.7M loss Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Net income Q1 2025 $148.5M income Quarter ended March 31, 2025
Total revenue Q1 2026 $0.4M Service and other revenue only; no license revenue
Total revenue Q1 2025 $211.2M Includes $195.4M license revenue from Takeda
R&D expense Q1 2026 $16.1M Down from $48.7M in Q1 2025
G&A expense Q1 2026 $10.1M Slightly down from $10.5M in Q1 2025
Cash and cash equivalents $281.5M As of March 31, 2026; expected runway into first half of 2028
Total assets $312.3M As of March 31, 2026
clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company financial
"Keros, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics"
A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company develops drugs or medical therapies that are being tested in people in formal clinical trials but do not yet have any approved, marketed products. For investors, these firms behave like prototype makers: their value depends heavily on trial results and regulatory decisions, so they can swing widely on a single study, consume cash while testing, and offer either large upside if trials succeed or big downside if they fail.
transforming growth factor-beta medical
"disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta family of proteins"
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a naturally occurring signaling protein that helps control cell growth, inflammation and tissue repair, acting like a traffic cop that tells cells when to divide, change form or calm down. It matters to investors because drugs that block or boost TGF-β can treat cancers, fibrotic diseases and immune disorders, affecting clinical trial outcomes, regulatory risk and the commercial potential of biopharma assets.
myelodysplastic syndromes medical
"elritercept as a treatment of anemia in myelofibrosis, broadening the indication opportunity beyond myelodysplastic syndromes"
Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders in which the bone marrow — the body’s blood cell factory — makes blood cells that are abnormal or too few, leading to anemia, infections, or bleeding and sometimes progressing to leukemia. Investors monitor them because demand for effective drugs, clinical trial results, and regulatory approvals can materially affect the revenues and valuations of healthcare companies and influence projected treatment costs and market opportunities.
myelofibrosis medical
"advance elritercept into a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate elritercept as a treatment of anemia in myelofibrosis"
A bone marrow disorder in which healthy, spongy marrow is gradually replaced by scar tissue, like a garden soil turned to concrete so seeds can’t grow. That replacement reduces production of red and white blood cells and platelets, causing anemia, fatigue, infections and an enlarged spleen. Investors care because the condition creates demand for therapies, clinical trials and regulatory decisions that can materially affect drug sales and company valuations.
corporate restructuring financial
"primarily due to the transition of elritercept-related research and development expenses to Takeda and the corporate restructuring"
Phase 3 clinical trial medical
"Takeda plans to advance elritercept into a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate elritercept as a treatment of anemia"
A phase 3 clinical trial is a large-scale study that tests a new medical treatment or drug to determine if it is safe and effective for widespread use. It often involves hundreds or thousands of participants and compares the new treatment to existing options or a placebo. For investors, the results of this phase are crucial, as successful outcomes can lead to regulatory approval and commercial success, while failures may halt development.
Total revenue $0.4M down from $211.2M in Q1 2025
Net income (loss) $23.7M loss vs $148.5M income in Q1 2025
R&D expense $16.1M down from $48.7M in Q1 2025
G&A expense $10.1M slightly down from $10.5M in Q1 2025
Cash and cash equivalents $281.5M slightly down from $287.4M at Dec 31, 2025
Guidance

Keros expects its March 31, 2026 cash and cash equivalents to fund operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first half of 2028.

0001664710FALSE00016647102026-05-142026-05-14

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 8-K 
 
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 14, 2026
 
 
Keros Therapeutics, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware 001-39264 81-1173868
(state or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1050 Waltham Street, Suite 302
Lexington, Massachusetts
 02421
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 314-6297
 
Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) 
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) 



 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class 
Trading
Symbol
 
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share KROS The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 



Item 2.02    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On May 14, 2026, Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information in this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. The information contained in this Item 2.02 and in the accompanying exhibit is not incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.  
Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit  
No. Description
99.1
 
Press Release dated May 14, 2026.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
KEROS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
By: /s/ Jasbir Seehra
 
Jasbir Seehra, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Dated: May 14, 2026


Exhibit 99.1
Keros Therapeutics Reports Recent First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

LEXINGTON, Mass., May 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (“Keros” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: KROS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics to treat a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (“TGF-ß”) family of proteins, today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

“Continuing to progress our pipeline remains our top priority, setting the stage for future catalysts and growth opportunities,” said Jasbir S. Seehra, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, we are excited that our partner, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (“Takeda”), plans to advance elritercept into a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate elritercept as a treatment of anemia in myelofibrosis, broadening the indication opportunity beyond myelodysplastic syndromes.”

First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Keros reported a net loss of $23.7 million in the first quarter of 2026 as compared to a net income of $148.5 million in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease of $172.2 million was largely due to revenue recognized in 2025 related to Keros' license agreement with Takeda and decreased research and development efforts.

Research and development expenses were $16.1 million for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to $48.7 million for the same period in 2025. The decrease of $32.6 million was primarily due to the transition of elritercept-related research and development expenses to Takeda and the corporate restructuring that was completed in 2025.

General and administrative expenses were $10.1 million for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to $10.5 million for the same period in 2025. The decrease of $0.4 million was primarily due to a decrease in compensation costs in connection with the 2025 corporate restructuring.

Keros’ cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2026 was $281.5 million compared to $287.4 million as of December 31, 2025. Based on current operating assumptions, Keros expects that its cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2026 will enable Keros to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first half of 2028.

About Keros Therapeutics, Inc.

Keros is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics to treat a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the TGF-ß family of proteins. Keros is a leader in understanding the role of the TGF-ß family of proteins, which are master regulators of the growth, repair and maintenance of a number of tissues, including skeletal muscle, bone, adipose, heart tissue and blood. By leveraging this understanding, Keros has discovered and is developing protein therapeutics that have the potential to provide meaningful and potentially disease-modifying benefit to patients. Keros’ lead product candidate, rinvatercept, is being developed for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Keros’ most advanced product candidate, elritercept, is being developed for the treatment of cytopenias, including anemia and thrombocytopenia, in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and in patients with myelofibrosis.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as “continue”, “expect”, “plan”, “look forward to”, “will”, “potential” or similar



expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of these forward-looking statements include statements concerning: Keros’ expectations regarding its growth, strategy, progress and the design, objectives and timing of its clinical trials for rinvatercept and elritercept; Takeda’s plans to advance elritercept into a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate elritercept as a treatment of anemia in myelofibrosis; and Keros’ expected cash runway. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: Keros’ limited operating history and historical losses; Keros’ ability to raise additional funding to complete the development and any commercialization of its product candidates; Keros’ dependence on the success of its product candidates, rinvatercept and elritercept; that Keros may be delayed in initiating, enrolling or completing any clinical trials; competition from third parties that are developing products for similar uses; Keros’ ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual property; and Keros’ dependence on third parties in connection with manufacturing, clinical trials and preclinical studies.

These and other risks are described more fully in Keros’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2026, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, Keros undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Investor Contact:

Justin Frantz
jfrantz@kerostx.com
617-221-6042



KEROS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
2026
2025
REVENUE:
Service and other revenue
367 
15,891 
License revenue
— 
195,355 
Total revenue
367 
211,246 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development
(16,097)
(48,709)
General and administrative
(10,147)
(10,497)
Total operating expenses
(26,244)
(59,206)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
(25,877)
152,040 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Dividend income
2,335 
6,792 
Other expense, net
(166)
(338)
Total other income, net
2,169 
6,454 
Income (loss) before income taxes
(23,708)
158,494 
Income tax provision
— 
(10,043)
Net income (loss)
$
(23,708)
$
148,451 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted
$
(23,708)
$
148,451 
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding — basic
19,629,906 
40,559,355 
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding — diluted
19,629,906 
41,021,325 
Net income (loss) per share of common stock — basic
$
(1.21)
$
3.66 
Net income (loss) per share of common stock — diluted
$
(1.21)
$
3.62 





KEROS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
MARCH 31,
2026
DECEMBER 31,
2025
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
281,497 
287,415 
Accounts receivable
400 
3,567 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
6,530 
22,202 
Current income tax receivable
2,250 
2,250 
Total current assets
290,677 
315,434 
Operating lease right-of-use assets
16,205 
16,841 
Property and equipment, net
3,962 
4,297 
Restricted cash
1,449 
1,449 
TOTAL ASSETS
312,293 
338,021 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
1,493 
1,967 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
2,501 
2,408 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
8,859 
16,039 
Total current liabilities
12,853 
20,414 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
13,810 
14,475 
Total liabilities
26,663 
34,889 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025; no shares issued and outstanding
— 
— 
Series A junior participating preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 500,000 authorized as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025; no shares issued and outstanding
— 
— 
Common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025; 40,859,597 shares issued and 19,732,837 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2026 and 40,670,466 shares issued and 19,543,706 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2025
Treasury stock, at cost; 21,126,760 shares as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025
(384,558)
(384,558)
Additional paid-in capital
1,175,657 
1,169,451 
Accumulated deficit
(505,473)
(481,765)
Total stockholders' equity
285,630 
303,132 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
312,293 
338,021 


FAQ

How did Keros Therapeutics (KROS) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Keros reported a net loss of $23.7 million for Q1 2026, versus net income of $148.5 million a year earlier. The change mainly reflects 2025 license revenue from Takeda not repeating and lower research and development activity.

What happened to Keros Therapeutics (KROS) revenue in Q1 2026?

Keros generated total revenue of $0.4 million in Q1 2026, down from $211.2 million in Q1 2025. The prior period included substantial license revenue from its agreement with Takeda, which did not recur in 2026.

How much did Keros Therapeutics (KROS) spend on R&D and G&A in Q1 2026?

Research and development expenses were $16.1 million and general and administrative expenses were $10.1 million in Q1 2026. R&D dropped sharply from $48.7 million a year earlier, mainly due to Takeda assuming elritercept costs and a 2025 restructuring.

What is Keros Therapeutics’ (KROS) cash position and runway after Q1 2026?

Keros ended March 31, 2026 with $281.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, slightly down from $287.4 million at year-end 2025. The company expects this balance to fund operating and capital needs into the first half of 2028.

What are the key pipeline updates for Keros Therapeutics (KROS)?

Keros’ lead candidate rinvatercept targets Duchenne muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Its most advanced candidate elritercept is being developed for cytopenias, and partner Takeda plans a Phase 3 trial in myelofibrosis-related anemia.

Why did Keros Therapeutics (KROS) R&D expenses decline in Q1 2026?

R&D expenses fell to $16.1 million from $48.7 million year over year, primarily because elritercept-related research and development costs transitioned to Takeda and due to savings from a corporate restructuring completed in 2025.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents