Kyowa Kirin and Kura Oncology Collaborate on $1.1 Billion Leukemia Drug Development

Kyowa Kirin and Kura Oncology have formed a comprehensive partnership to advance the development of ziftomenib, an oral menin inhibitor aimed at treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This collaboration involves a significant financial commitment, with Kyowa Kirin providing $330 million upfront and up to $1.1 billion in milestone payments, to not only support the drug's development but also to obtain global commercialization rights[1][2]. The joint effort allows Kura to manage U.S. regulatory and manufacturing strategies, while Kyowa will oversee commercialization in other regions. Both companies are set to share development costs for trials outside of the United States starting in 2028, with plans to initiate phase 2 and phase 3 trials targeting AML and other blood cancers imminently[1]. Despite a dip in Kura's stock, this strategic partnership aims to position ziftomenib as a frontrunner in the menin inhibitor market, addressing a potentially $3 billion U.S. market[2].