Kura Oncology is focused on advancing precision oncology through the development of novel therapeutics aimed at treating various cancers, particularly blood cancers and solid tumors. Their lead candidate, Ziftomenib, is a menin inhibitor designed to target specific cancer signaling pathways, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This investigational drug works by preventing the interaction between menin and KMT2A/MLL proteins, which are crucial for the survival and proliferation of certain leukemia cells. By blocking this interaction, Ziftomenib aims to facilitate the maturation of cancerous cells into healthy white blood cells, potentially addressing a significant portion of AML cases, including those with NPM1 mutations and KMT2A rearrangements. Kura is also exploring Ziftomenib in combination with other therapies to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize resistance.

In addition to Ziftomenib, Kura is developing farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs), such as Tipifarnib and the next-generation KO-2806. These inhibitors target the farnesyltransferase enzyme, which plays a critical role in cellular pathways that contribute to drug resistance in various tumors. Tipifarnib is currently being evaluated for its effectiveness in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with specific genetic mutations, while KO-2806 is designed to improve upon earlier FTIs and is being tested in combination with other targeted therapies for solid tumors. Kura's innovative approach aims to reshape treatment options and improve patient outcomes by addressing the mechanisms of resistance and enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies.

United States

Kura Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. Our small-molecule drug candidates target signaling pathways and other drivers of cancer where there is a strong scientific and clinical rationale to improve outcomes by identifying those patients most likely to benefit from treatment. 

Kura’s pipeline consists of three investigational drug candidates: ziftomenib, tipifarnib and KO-2806. Ziftomenib is a once-daily, oral drug candidate targeting the menin-KMT2A protein-protein interaction for the treatment of genetically defined AML patients with high unmet need. Ziftomenib is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 2 registration-directed trial (KOMET-001) in NPM1-mutant relapsed or refractory AML. Kura is preparing to initiate multiple Phase 1 trials to evaluate ziftomenib in combination with current standards of care in earlier lines of therapy and across multiple patient populations, including NPM1-mutant and KMT2A-rearranged AML. Tipifarnib, a potent and selective FTI, is currently in a Phase 1/2 trial (KURRENT-HN) in combination with alpelisib for patients with PIK3CA-dependent HNSCC. Kura intends to evaluate KO-2806, a next-generation FTI, in a Phase 1 dose-escalation trial (FIT-001) as a monotherapy and in combination with other targeted therapies in adult patients with advanced solid tumors. 

For additional information, please visit Kura’s website at www.kuraoncology.com.

Cancer

Hematologic Diseases

Kura Oncology 

Acute myeloid leukemia

Blood cancer

KO-539 is a novel, once-daily, oral investigational drug candidate &nbsp;targeting the menin-KMT2A/MLL protein-protein interaction for treatment &nbsp;of genetically defined AML patients with high unmet need. In preclinical &nbsp;models, KO-539 inhibits the KMT2A/MLL protein complex and has &nbsp;downstream effects on HOXA9/MEIS1 expression. KO-539 has received Orphan &nbsp;Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of AML.
<a href="https://ir.kuraoncology.com/news-releases/news-release-details/kura-oncology-presents-first-clinical-data-menin-inhibitor-ko">Source</a>

Ziftomenib

Ziftomenib is a once-daily, oral drug candidate targeting the menin-KMT2A protein-protein interaction for the treatment of genetically defined AML patients with high unmet need.

Ziftomenib + Induction Chemotherapy (7+3)

Ziftomenib + venetoclax + azacitidine

Head and neck cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Tipifarnib is a potent, selective and orally bioavailable inhibitor of the enzyme farnesyl transferase. Tipifarnib was previously studied in more than 5,000 cancer patients and demonstrated compelling and durable anti-cancer activity in certain patients with a manageable side effect profile.

Tipifarnib + alpelisib

Non-small cell lung carcinoma

Solid tumor/s

KO-2806 is a potent next-generation FTI designed to improve upon potency, pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties of earlier FTI drug candidates and address large oncology indications of high unmet need through rational combinations. Preclinical data is supportive of FTIs in combination with other targeted therapies to potentially overcome or prevent emergence of drug resistance to certain classes of drugs. The FDA has cleared the IND application for KO-2806 and Kura intends to evaluate KO-2806 for the treatment of advanced solid tumors (FIT-001 Trial).

Kura Oncology

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