Kintara Therapeutics and TuHURA Biosciences Announce Merger Agreement to Advance Oncology Pipeline

On April 3, 2024, Kintara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTRA) and TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. disclosed a definitive merger agreement, aiming to create a combined entity named TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. This newly established company will be dedicated to progressing a diverse portfolio of late-stage oncology therapies. Notably, it will focus on advancing TuHURA's personalized cancer vaccines and unique bi-functional Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). The transaction is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2024 and is contingent upon stockholder and regulatory approvals.

Under this agreement, TuHURA anticipates initiating a Phase 3 trial for its IFx-2.0 cancer vaccine in the latter half of 2024. This vaccine, intended as an adjunctive therapy with Keytruda®, targets advanced Merkel cell carcinoma under the FDA's accelerated approval pathway. It features novel efforts to overcome resistance to current immunotherapies by concentrating on primary and acquired resistance. Moreover, TuHURA's integration of $31 million in financing through the merger is expected to extend its cash runway into late 2025, ensuring sufficient funding for these pivotal development programs.

Leadership from both Kintara and TuHURA have expressed optimism about the merger, highlighting the potential benefits in advancing new therapeutic strategies for addressing significant unmet needs in cancer treatment. The post-merger executive team will be led by James Bianco, MD, as President and CEO, and Dan Dearborn, CPA, serving as CFO. Additionally, the combined company's operations will be based in Tampa, Florida.