Kura Oncology (NASDAQ: KURA) posts Q1 revenue and updates AML pipeline
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Kura Oncology reported first quarter 2026 results highlighted by the first commercial sales of KOMZIFTI, its menin inhibitor for relapsed or refractory NPM1‑mutated AML. KOMZIFTI generated $5.8 million in net product revenue, with 85 new patient starts, 157 total prescriptions and more than 93% payer coverage.
Total revenue was $18.3 million, up from $14.1 million a year earlier, driven by new product revenue and $12.5 million of collaboration revenue. Kura posted a net loss of $73.3 million as it increased R&D and commercialization spending. Cash and investments of $580.8 million, plus $180 million in anticipated collaboration payments, are expected to fund its ziftomenib AML program through topline Phase 3 KOMET‑017 results anticipated in 2028.
Positive
- First commercial revenue from KOMZIFTI reached $5.8 million in Q1 2026, with 85 new patient starts, 157 prescriptions and more than 93% payer coverage, demonstrating initial market uptake for Kura’s lead AML therapy.
- Robust balance sheet and runway with $580.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments plus $180 million in anticipated collaboration payments, expected to fund the ziftomenib AML program through topline KOMET-017 Phase 3 results anticipated in 2028.
- Promising pipeline data including a 44% objective response rate and 94% disease control rate for darlifarnib plus cabozantinib in renal cell carcinoma support continued development of the solid tumor portfolio.
Negative
- None.
Insights
First KOMZIFTI sales and strong cash runway mark an important transition.
Kura Oncology has moved into its first full quarter of commercialization, with KOMZIFTI net product revenue of $5.8M. Early demand signals—85 new patient starts, 157 prescriptions and >93% payer coverage—show initial market uptake in relapsed/refractory NPM1‑mutant AML.
Total revenue reached $18.3M, up from $14.1M, but higher R&D and SG&A spending led to a larger net loss of $73.3M. Cash and investments of $580.8M, together with $180M in anticipated Kyowa Kirin collaboration payments, are expected to fund the ziftomenib AML program through topline KOMET‑017 Phase 3 results in 2028.
The company also reported encouraging early darlifarnib data, including a 44% objective response rate and 94% disease control rate in renal cell carcinoma, plus multiple 2026 data and commercial milestones. Subsequent disclosures around KOMET‑017 progress and commercial trends in future periods will further clarify the long‑term trajectory.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
menin inhibitor medical
relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia medical
differentiation syndrome medical
objective response rate medical
disease control rate medical
short-term investments financial
Earnings Snapshot
Kura believes existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and $180M in anticipated collaboration payments will fund the ziftomenib AML program through topline KOMET-017 Phase 3 results anticipated in 2028.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
|
||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
(Zip Code) |
|
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:
N/A
(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 (see General Instructions A.2. below):
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(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
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 12, 2026, Kura Oncology, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the Company’s financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and providing a corporate update. A copy of this press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 2.02 and Exhibit 99.1 hereto are being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section and will not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed by the Company, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified as being incorporated therein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit Number |
|
Description |
99.1 |
|
Press release dated May 12, 2026 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File (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 thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
KURA ONCOLOGY, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
Date: May 12, 2026 |
|
By: |
/s/ Teresa Bair |
|
|
|
Teresa Bair |
|
|
|
Chief Legal Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
Kura Oncology Reports FIRST Quarter 2026 Financial Results
– $5.8 million in KOMZIFTI™ (ziftomenib) net product revenue in first full quarter of commercialization –
– Robust new patient starts and early launch dynamics, including repeat use, switching and combination adoption, reflect strong early momentum –
– Broad and rapid payer access achieved, with > 93% coverage and favorable positioning across > 12 million lives –
– Multiple 2026 data readouts expected to support ziftomenib as a broadly combinable backbone across AML –
– $580.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, plus $180 million in anticipated collaboration payments, expected to support advancement of ziftomenib AML program through first topline KOMET-017 Phase 3 results –
– Management to host webcast and conference call today at 4:30 p.m. ET –
SAN DIEGO, May 12, 2026 – Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA), a biopharmaceutical company focused on precision medicines for cancer, today reported first quarter 2026 financial results and provided a corporate update.
“In its first full quarter of commercial availability, KOMZIFTI generated $5.8 million in net revenue, with early launch dynamics indicating growing physician adoption and utilization patterns based on product profile. We believe these early signals support KOMZIFTI’s potential to become the leading therapy in relapsed/refractory NPM1-mutant AML,” said Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Oncology. “Supported by a robust clinical development program designed to establish it as a broadly combinable backbone across the AML treatment continuum, and with multiple data readouts expected this year across frontline and combination settings, we are well positioned for the next phase of growth.”
Recent Developments
KOMZIFTI Launch Performance (First Quarter 2026)
KOMZIFTI delivered a strong first full quarter of commercial performance, with early indicators supporting adoption and continued momentum:
Early market dynamics, including repeat prescribing, expanding use across treatment settings, initial combination use and instances of switching from other menin inhibitors, indicate growing physician adoption based on product profile.
Advancing Ziftomenib Across the Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Treatment Continuum
Kura continues to execute on its strategy to establish ziftomenib as a broadly combinable backbone therapy across AML:
Multiple clinical data readouts expected in 2026 across combination regimens and treatment settings, supporting ziftomenib’s potential use broadly across the AML landscape.
Solid Tumor Pipeline Progress
Kura continues to advance darlifarnib as a novel approach to overcoming resistance in targeted therapy:
The data support darlifarnib’s potential to overcome resistance and resensitize tumors to VEGF TKI therapy, with
2026 Commercial Priorities and Anticipated Development Milestones
Kura expects multiple value-driving catalysts in 2026 across commercial development and clinical development:
KOMZIFTI Commercial Execution
Ziftomenib – Frontline AML
Ziftomenib – Relapsed/Refractory AML
Ziftomenib and Menin Inhibition – Expansion Beyond AML
Darlifarnib
KO-7246 (Next-Generation Menin Inhibitor)
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
As of March 31, 2026, Kura had $580.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, compared to $667.2 million as of December 31, 2025.
The Company believes its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2026, when combined with $180 million in anticipated payments under the collaboration agreement with Kyowa Kirin, will be sufficient to fund the ziftomenib AML
program through the topline results from the first pivotal Phase 3 KOMET-017 frontline trial, anticipated in 2028.
Conference Call and Webcast
Kura’s management will host a webcast and conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT today, May 12, 2026, to discuss financial results and to provide a corporate update. A live webcast and archived replay of the event will be available here or from the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.kuraoncology.com.
About Kura Oncology
Kura Oncology is a biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. Kura’s pipeline of small molecule drug candidates is designed to target cancer signaling pathways and address high-need hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Kura developed and is commercializing KOMZIFTI™ (ziftomenib), the FDA-approved once-daily, oral menin inhibitor for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia, and continues to pioneer advancements in menin inhibition and farnesyl transferase inhibition. For additional information, please visit the Kura website and follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, Kura’s future performance in 2026; the commercial potential of KOMZIFTI; KOMZIFTI’s potential market leadership in R/R NPM1-m AML; KOMZIFTI’s potential as a broadly combinable backbone across the AML treatment continuum; Kura’s research, preclinical and clinical development activities; plans and projected timelines for ziftomenib, darlifarnib, KO-7246 and other preclinical assets; the expected timing and presentation of results and data from clinical trials; and Kura’s anticipated cash runway. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include risks associated with market competition, market acceptance and commercialization of KOMZIFTI; risks associated with the conduct of preclinical studies and clinical trials; risks that Kura’s actual future financial and operating results may differ from its expectations or goals; the risk that Kura’s product candidates may not receive regulatory approval; the potential for KOMZIFTI or Kura’s product candidates to have unexpected adverse side effects; the risk that Kura may not be able to obtain additional financing; the risk that the collaboration with Kyowa Kirin is unsuccessful; and other risks associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such drugs. You are urged to consider statements that include the words “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “promise,” “potential,”
“expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “continues,” “designed,” “goal,” or the negative of those words or other comparable words to be uncertain and forward-looking. For a further list and description of the risks and uncertainties the Company faces, please refer to the Company's periodic and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.sec.gov. Such forward-looking statements are current only as of the date they are made, and Kura assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
FLT3, Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene; KMT2A, lysine methyltransferase 2A gene; NPM1, nucleophosmin 1 gene; -m, mutant; -r, rearranged; ITD, Internal Random Duplication; KRAS, Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Virus oncogene homolog.
KURA ONCOLOGY, INC. |
|
|||||||
Statements of Operations Data |
|
|||||||
(unaudited) |
|
|||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Product revenue, net |
|
$ |
5,766 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Collaboration revenue |
|
|
12,499 |
|
|
|
14,108 |
|
Total revenue |
|
|
18,265 |
|
|
|
14,108 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cost of product sales |
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Research and development |
|
|
65,263 |
|
|
|
55,973 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
31,555 |
|
|
|
22,835 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
97,080 |
|
|
|
78,808 |
|
Other income, net |
|
|
5,490 |
|
|
|
7,497 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(73,333 |
) |
|
$ |
(57,429 |
) |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted |
|
$ |
(0.83 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.66 |
) |
Weighted average number of shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted |
|
|
88,610 |
|
|
|
87,415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
KURA ONCOLOGY, INC. |
|
|||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
|
|||||||
(unaudited) |
|
|||||||
(in thousands) |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
|
$ |
580,823 |
|
|
$ |
667,240 |
|
Working capital |
|
|
522,286 |
|
|
|
591,689 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
652,551 |
|
|
|
738,363 |
|
Long-term liabilities |
|
|
443,172 |
|
|
|
447,254 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(1,247,421 |
) |
|
|
(1,174,088 |
) |
Stockholders’ equity |
|
|
107,883 |
|
|
|
174,135 |
|
About KOMZIFTI™ (ziftomenib)
KOMZIFTI (ziftomenib) is an oral menin inhibitor approved for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible NPM1 mutation who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
Ziftomenib is in development for the treatment of frontline and R/R AML harboring NPM1 mutations, KMT2A translocations and FLT3 mutations, with the potential to be combined with approved therapies and benefit a broad spectrum of patients.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR KOMZIFTI FROM THE U.S. PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
Boxed WARNING: DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME
Differentiation syndrome, which can be fatal, has occurred with KOMZIFTI. Signs and symptoms may include fever, joint pain, hypotension, hypoxia, dyspnea, rapid weight gain or peripheral edema, pleural or pericardial effusions, pulmonary infiltrates, acute kidney injury, and rashes. If differentiation syndrome is suspected, interrupt KOMZIFTI, and initiate oral or intravenous corticosteroids with hemodynamic and laboratory monitoring until symptom resolution; resume KOMZIFTI upon symptom improvement.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Differentiation Syndrome
KOMZIFTI can cause fatal or life-threatening differentiation syndrome (DS). DS is associated with rapid proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells. Symptoms of DS, including those seen in patients treated with KOMZIFTI, may include fever, hypoxia, joint pain, hypotension, dyspnea, rapid weight gain or peripheral edema, pleural or pericardial effusions, acute kidney injury, and rashes.
In the clinical trial, DS occurred in 29 (26%) of 112 patients with R/R AML with an NPM1 mutation who were treated with KOMZIFTI at the recommended dosage. DS was Grade 3 in 13% and fatal in two patients. In broader evaluation of all patients with any genetic form of AML treated with KOMZIFTI monotherapy in clinical trials, DS occurred in 25% of patients. Four fatal cases of DS occurred out of 39 patients with KMT2A-rearranged AML treated with KOMZIFTI. KOMZIFTI is not approved for use in patients with KMT2A-rearranged AML.
In the 112 patients with an NPM1 mutation, DS was observed with and without concomitant hyperleukocytosis, in as early as 3 days and up to 46 days after KOMZIFTI initiation. The median time to onset was 15 days. Two patients experienced more than one DS event. Treatment was interrupted and resumed in 15 (13%) patients, while it was permanently discontinued in 2 (2%) patients.
Prior to starting treatment with KOMZIFTI, reduce the WBC counts to less than 25 x 10⁹/L. If DS is suspected, interrupt KOMZIFTI, initiate oral or intravenous corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone 10 mg every 12 hours) for a minimum of 3 days with hemodynamic and laboratory monitoring. Resume treatment with KOMZIFTI at the same dose level when signs and symptoms improve and are Grade 2 or lower. Taper corticosteroids over a minimum of 3 days after adequate control or resolution of symptoms. Symptoms of DS may recur with premature discontinuation of corticosteroid treatment.
QTc Interval Prolongation
KOMZIFTI can cause QTc interval prolongation. In the clinical trial, QTc interval prolongation was reported as an adverse reaction in 12% of 112 patients treated with KOMZIFTI at the recommended dosage for R/R AML with an NPM1 mutation. QTc interval prolongation was Grade 3 in 8% of patients. The heart-rate corrected QT interval (using Fridericia’s method) (QTcF) was greater than 500 msec in 9% of patients, and the increase from baseline QTcF was greater than 60 msec in 12% of patients. KOMZIFTI dose reduction was required for 1% of patients due to QTc interval prolongation. QTc prolongation occurred in 14% of the 42 patients less than 65 years of age and in 10% of the 70 patients 65 years of age or older.
Correct electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, prior to treatment with KOMZIFTI. Perform an ECG prior to initiation of treatment with KOMZIFTI, and do not initiate KOMZIFTI in patients with QTcF > 480 msec. Perform an ECG at least once weekly for the first four weeks on treatment, and at least monthly thereafter. Interrupt KOMZIFTI if the QTc interval is > 500 ms or the change from baseline is > 60 ms (Grade 3). In patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval, more frequent ECG monitoring may be necessary.
Concomitant use of KOMZIFTI with drugs known to prolong the QTc interval may increase the risk of QTc interval prolongation, result in a greater increase in the QTc interval and adverse reactions associated with QTc interval prolongation, including Torsades de Pointes, other serious arrhythmias, and sudden death.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, KOMZIFTI can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with KOMZIFTI and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with KOMZIFTI and for 3 months after the last dose.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4 (4%) patients who received KOMZIFTI, including 2 with differentiation syndrome, 1 with infection, and 1 with sudden death. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 79% of patients who received KOMZIFTI. Serious adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 5% of patients included infection without an identified pathogen (29%), febrile neutropenia (18%), bacterial infection (16%), differentiation syndrome (16%), and dyspnea (6%).
Dosage interruption of KOMZIFTI due to an adverse reaction occurred in 54% of patients. Adverse reactions that required dose interruption in ≥ 2% of patients included infection without an identified pathogen (15%), differentiation syndrome (13%), febrile neutropenia (5%), pyrexia (4%), electrocardiogram QT prolonged (4%), leukocytosis (4%), bacterial infection (3%), cardiac failure (2%), cholecystitis (2%), diarrhea (2%), pruritus (2%), and thrombosis (2%). Dose reduction of KOMZIFTI due to an adverse reaction occurred in 4% of patients. Permanent discontinuation of KOMZIFTI due to an adverse reaction occurred in 21% of patients. Adverse reactions that required permanent discontinuation of KOMZIFTI in ≥ 2% of patients were infection without an identified pathogen (8%), bacterial infection (4%), cardiac arrest (2%), and differentiation syndrome (2%).
Most common (≥ 20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were aspartate aminotransferase increased (53%), infection without an identified pathogen (52%), potassium decreased (52%), albumin decreased (51%), alanine aminotransferase increased (50%), sodium decreased (49%), creatinine increased (45%), alkaline phosphatase increased (41%), hemorrhage (38%), diarrhea (36%), nausea (35%), fatigue (34%), edema (30%), bacterial infection (28%), musculoskeletal pain (28%), bilirubin increased (27%), potassium increased (26%), differentiation syndrome (26%), pruritus (23%), febrile neutropenia (22%), and transaminases increased (21%).
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drug interactions may occur when KOMZIFTI is concomitantly used with:
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy: Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, KOMZIFTI can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to starting KOMZIFTI.
Lactation: Because of the potential for adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with KOMZIFTI and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Infertility: Based on findings in animals, KOMZIFTI may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING.
Contacts
Investors and media:
Greg Mann
858-987-4046
gmann@kuraoncology.com