Kura Oncology
Kura Oncology discovers and develops targeted small‑molecule and biologic therapies that selectively inhibit cancer‑specific molecular pathways, aiming to treat high‑unmet‑need cancers such as head and neck cancer, non‑small cell lung cancer, and acute leukemias. By integrating precision drug design, liquid‑biopsy‑guided patient selection, and combination regimens with existing standards of care, the company seeks to improve efficacy, reduce side effects, and achieve durable remissions for patients.
- Biotechnology
Funding
Raised to date
$275MRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
$150M across 1 disclosed round
SC$150M · Undisclosed
Announced Jan 2024
Disclosed cumulative: $150M
Reported total $275M
Incomplete round history. $125M of the $275M reported total isn’t matched to a known round.
Founders
Product
Problem
Many cancer patients lack effective treatments that specifically target the molecular drivers of their disease, leading to limited durability of responses and significant side effects from non‑selective therapies. This is especially acute in high‑unmet‑need areas such as head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and acute leukemias.
Solution
Kura Oncology focuses on discovering and developing novel therapeutics that selectively inhibit cancer‑specific molecular pathways. By leveraging an evolving understanding of tumor biology, the company creates precision medicines designed to spare healthy tissue while eradicating malignant cells. Kura also evaluates these agents in combination with existing standards of care to enhance efficacy and achieve more durable remissions. The pipeline targets cancers with the greatest unmet need, aiming to translate molecular insights into clinically meaningful outcomes for patients.
Target Audience
The primary customers are oncologists and healthcare systems treating patients with head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and acute leukemias, as well as pharmaceutical partners seeking precision‑oncology collaborations.
Features
- Targeted small‑molecule and biologic agents that bind selectively to cancer‑specific molecular alterations
- Combination development programs that integrate novel agents with established chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation regimens
- Molecular‑driven drug design informed by genomic and proteomic profiling of tumor samples
- Utilization of liquid biopsy data to guide patient selection and monitor treatment response
- Focused therapeutic programs in head and neck cancer, non‑small cell lung cancer, and acute leukemias
- Preclinical and early‑clinical validation pipelines that prioritize safety and on‑target activity