TuHURA is a clinical-stage, oncology-focused biotechnology company advancing innate immune agonists, checkpoint inhibitors & antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Its IFx platform technology features IFx-2.0 tumoral injection delivery for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). IFx encodes a bacterial protein to be expressed in cancer cells, activating the innate immune system & subsequent cascade that may eliminate the tumor. Other assets include an anti-VISTA antibody acquired from Kineta & the ADC ?-opioid receptor which may be used to treat blood cancers. IFx-2.0 uses pDNA to encode the production of Emm55 on cancer cells to elicit an immune response. A pivotal trial is underway, with a plan for FDA approval in 24 months using accelerated regulatory pathways & support from Project Frontrunner. Other assets in the portfolio may also advance quickly with supportive early data. TuHURA merged with Kineta and raised $14 million since the close of the transaction to support its pipeline. Additional capital raises and partnerships with established biopharma companies are expected. Initial clinical studies target rare and blood cancers. Future opportunities lie in oncology using combinations with other immunotherapies.
