Kura Oncology (KURA)

Executive Summary

Kura Oncology is a clinical-stage precision oncology company developing novel small-molecule therapies targeting RAS pathway and menin inhibitors. Its lead asset, ziftomenib (KO-539), is a menin-MLL inhibitor in Phase 1/2 trials for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including combinations with venetoclax and azacitidine. Another key program, tipifarnib, is a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) targeting HRAS-mutant tumors, with ongoing and completed studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Kura also has a Phase 1 trial of darlifarnib (an HRAS inhibitor) in combination with cabozantinib and adagrasib for solid tumors with HRAS alterations. The company's pipeline focuses on addressing treatment resistance through targeted combinations and biomarker-driven patient selection. Despite setbacks in earlier tipifarnib trials, Kura is advancing its pipeline with a strategic emphasis on myeloid malignancies and RAS-driven cancers.

Upcoming Catalysts (preview)

• Q3 2026Ziftomenib Phase 1/2 Dose Expansion Data in AML60% success
• Q2 2026Tipifarnib + Alpelisib Phase 1/2 Data in HNSCC50% success
• Q1 2027Darlifarnib Combination Phase 1 Data in HRAS-Altered Solid Tumors40% success