Ikena Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that discovers and develops patient-directed, biomarker-driven cancer therapies. Its pipeline includes five programs across clinical, preclinical, and discovery stages, including IK-930 (a TEAD inhibitor), a lead optimization-stage KRAS signaling program, IK-175 (AHR antagonist), IK-412 (kynurenine-degrading enzyme), and IK-007 (EP4 receptor antagonist). IK-930 has entered IND-enabling studies, shown favorable PK/PD and anti-tumor activity in preclinical models, and Ikena plans to file an IND in the second half of 2021 and initiate a Phase 1 trial in biomarker-enriched populations. The KRAS-targeting small-molecule program is in lead optimization with an expected development candidate nomination in the second half of 2021 and subsequent IND-enabling studies. Ikena has a global strategic collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb on the IK-175 and IK-412 programs. The company intends to use proceeds from its recent financing to advance these targeted oncology programs. Kyn Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing immunometabolic therapies aimed at reversing tumor-associated immunosuppression. Its lead programs target the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and a kynurenine‑degrading enzyme (“Kynase”), pathways implicated in suppressing innate and adaptive immunity across multiple tumor types. The company launched in December 2017 with a $49M Series A from OrbiMed Advisors and Atlas Venture and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Kyn has entered a global strategic collaboration with Celgene focused on developing novel immuno-oncology therapies by combining Kyn’s programs and expertise with Celgene’s development and commercialization capabilities. Under the agreement Kyn will conduct R&D through Phase 1b before Celgene can opt in to lead and fund global development and commercialization. Financially, Kyn will receive an $80 million upfront cash payment, an equity investment from Celgene, and is eligible for substantial clinical, regulatory and commercial milestone payments plus tiered royalties on worldwide net sales. Kyn Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, developing immunometabolism therapies to treat cancer. The company advances a pipeline of clinical- and preclinical-stage programs designed to reverse immunosuppressive metabolites and complement checkpoint inhibitors. Its preclinical programs target IDO and TDO pathways by degrading the metabolite kynurenine ("Kynase") and by blocking the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The most clinically advanced program, ARY-007, blocks the EP4 receptor; it is held by affiliate Arrys Therapeutics, was previously studied in humans for non-oncology indications, and is being prepared for a Phase 1b oncology study. Kyn says it plans to launch a clinical oncology study in 2018. The company announced $49 million in Series A capital available to advance its programs, including a $28 million allocation to the IDO/TDO programs and a $21 million allocation to Arrys/ARY-007.

Total raised

$249M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Jan 2021