{"id":1009536,"date":"2026-10-13T09:26:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/caspian-therapeutics-and-kura-oncology-outline-ko-7246-development-strategy-in-diabetes\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T09:26:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:26:20","slug":"caspian-therapeutics-and-kura-oncology-outline-ko-7246-development-strategy-in-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/caspian-therapeutics-and-kura-oncology-outline-ko-7246-development-strategy-in-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Caspian Therapeutics and Kura Oncology Outline KO-7246 Development Strategy in Diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \u2013 EASD findings support clinical evaluation of a next-generation oral menin inhibitor designed to restore insulin-producing capacity <\/em>
\n \u2013<\/em>\n <\/p>\n

\n \u2013 IND-enabling development underway to support Phase 1 clinical proof-of-concept study to assess safety and endogenous insulin production \u2013<\/em>\n <\/p>\n

\n \u2013 Investor webcast today, October 13, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET \/ 1:30 p.m. PT \u2013<\/em>\n <\/p>\n

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caspian Therapeutics, Inc. (\u201cCaspian\u201d) and Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA, \u201cKura\u201d) plan to outline the development strategy for KO-7246, Caspian\u2019s selective, oral menin inhibitor designed for diabetes and other chronic metabolic diseases, in a webcast later today. Management from both companies will discuss the rationale for creating Caspian, the findings presented at the 62nd European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting, and KO-7246\u2019s path toward clinical proof of concept.<\/p>\n

\u201cMenin inhibition offers the potential to rebuild the body\u2019s own insulin-producing capacity by expanding existing beta cells,\u201d said Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Oncology and Executive Chairman of Caspian Therapeutics. \u201cCaspian was formed to translate this biology into a new approach to treating diabetes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kura launched Caspian in September 2026 with a $50 million financing led by BVF Partners with participation from T1D Fund, Invus, Montanova, Eli Lilly and Company, Kura Oncology, members of Kura\u2019s leadership team, and several successful biotech entrepreneurs. Proceeds from the financing are expected to support KO-7246 through initial clinical proof of concept and advancement of a second menin inhibitor candidate.<\/p>\n

Kura contributed KO-7246 and related intellectual property and know-how to Caspian and retains approximately half ownership of the company. Caspian has its own leadership team and Board of Directors, as well as access to Kura\u2019s research, development and corporate capabilities through an intercompany services arrangement.<\/p>\n

\n Scientific Rationale and Development Priorities<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

The rationale for menin inhibition in diabetes is based on the natural ability of the pancreas to adapt to increased insulin demand during pregnancy. Research in pregnant mice has shown that reduced menin levels release a brake on beta cell proliferation, allowing the insulin-producing cell population to expand. KO-7246 is designed to harness this adaptive biology as a potential therapeutic for diabetes.<\/p>\n

The findings reported by Kura and Caspian at EASD connect menin inhibition with beta cell expansion and improved glucose control in preclinical models. Key observations informing KO-7246 development include:<\/p>\n