Kura Oncology has spun out a new biotech, Caspian Therapeutics, to develop next-generation diabetes therapies based on menin inhibition.
Caspian launched with $50 million in financing, backed by Eli Lilly, BVF Partners, the T1D Fund, Invus, Montanova, and Kura itself.
The company’s lead program, KO-7246, is a selective small-molecule menin inhibitor aimed at increasing pancreatic beta-cell number and function to boost insulin production.
The approach is being positioned as potentially disease-modifying for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, rather than just symptom management.
Kura will retain about half ownership of Caspian and continue supporting it through shared R&D and corporate resources.
Caspian is expected to advance KO-7246 through IND-enabling work and into initial clinical proof-of-concept, while also developing a second menin inhibitor candidate.
Sources:
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