Kura Oncology, Inc. announced a $25 million equity investment from Bristol Myers Squibb and a term loan facility with access to up to $125 million from Hercules Capital, Inc. If the term loan is fully drawn, proceeds from these two transactions together with existing cash are expected to fund Kura’s current operating plan into 2026.
“Bristol Myers Squibb has deep expertise and history in advancing transformational cancer treatments,” said Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Oncology. “This equity investment strengthens the relationship between our organizations and enables Bristol Myers Squibb to provide valuable strategic input into our global development strategy. We are honored and excited to have their support and look forward to their input as we work to deliver innovative science with the potential to benefit patients.”
“In addition, we are grateful for the support of Hercules Capital, a company with a long history of investing in innovative biotechnology companies,” Dr. Wilson continued. “Together, these transactions augment our already strong balance sheet and give us significant financial strength and flexibility as we prepare to advance into the registration-enabling portion of KOMET-001 for ziftomenib, initiate multiple combination studies for ziftomenib in earlier lines of acute myeloid leukemia and continue to expand and invest in our farnesyl transferase inhibitor programs.”
Kura has agreed to sell 1,370,171 shares to Bristol Myers Squibb at a price of $18.25 per share for gross proceeds of $25 million. The shares of common stock were offered and sold to Bristol Myers Squibb in a registered direct offering. In connection with the equity investment, Bristol Myers Squibb will appoint a member to Kura’s Global Steering Committee. Kura will maintain full ownership and control of its programs and operations.
Under the terms of the loan agreement with Hercules Capital, $10 million will be drawn immediately after closing and an additional $15 million is immediately available to Kura at its sole discretion. Kura may draw an additional $75 million in two separate tranches upon achievement of near-term clinical milestones. An additional $25 million may be drawn in a fourth tranche, subject to the approval of Hercules Capital. The loan bears an initial interest rate of 8.65% and adjusts with future changes in the prime rate. Kura will pay interest only for the first 24 months, extendable to up to 48 months on achievement of certain milestones. The loan matures 60 months from closing in November 2027.
“Hercules is pleased to enter into a strategic relationship with Kura as it advances its promising clinical-stage programs,” said Lake McGuire, Managing Director at Hercules Capital. “This capital commitment from Hercules aims to help Kura deliver new treatment options to patients suffering from AML and other cancers and reflects our dedication to provide customized financing solutions to growth-stage life science companies.”
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