Biotech & Genomic Medicine▲
Kura Oncology Launches Caspian Therapeutics with $50 Million Financing for Diabetes
Kura Oncology has launched Caspian Therapeutics, a separately financed company focused on developing menin inhibitors for diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases, backed by a $50 million financing led by BVF Partners with participation from the T1D Fund, Invus, Montanova, Eli Lilly and Company, Kura Oncology, and others. Caspian's lead compound, KO-7246, has shown in preclinical studies to selectively expand pancreatic beta cells, increase endogenous insulin production, and improve glycemic control in models of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, with data selected for an oral presentation at the EASD Annual Meeting on September 29, 2026. Kura will retain approximately half ownership of Caspian on a fully diluted basis and board representation, while Caspian operates with dedicated leadership and external capital. Robert Spencer has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Caspian, and the company plans to submit an investigational new drug application for KO-7246 as soon as practicable.
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Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Metabolic, Diabetes & Obesity ▲Technology
KURA · Capital · Positive Kura launches Caspian Therapeutics with $50M financing and retains ~half ownership plus board representation.
Caspian Therapeutics, Inc. · Technology · Positive Caspian's lead compound KO-7246 showed preclinical beta-cell expansion and glycemic control, with an IND planned.
LLY · Capital · Positive Eli Lilly participates in the $50M financing of Caspian Therapeutics.