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| Artificial intelligence (AI) | n/a | n/a |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | n/a | |
| Graham-Dodd Method | n/a | |
| Graham Formula | n/a |
Kura Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: KURA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Kura Oncology specializes in small molecule therapies targeting genetically defined subsets of acute leukemias and solid tumors. The company's lead candidates include ziftomenib, a menin-KMT2A inhibitor for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor in Phase II trials for hematologic and solid tumor indications. Kura has a strategic collaboration with Novartis to explore combination therapies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Operating in the high-growth oncology sector, Kura leverages its expertise in targeted cancer therapies to address unmet medical needs. With a market cap of approximately $488 million, the company is positioned as an emerging player in precision oncology, though it remains pre-revenue with significant R&D investments.
Kura Oncology presents a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity in the precision oncology space. The company's focus on genetically defined cancers aligns with the industry shift toward targeted therapies, but its clinical-stage status means profitability remains years away. Key value drivers include ziftomenib's potential in AML (a ~$3B market opportunity) and tipifarnib's novel mechanism in HRAS-mutated cancers. Financials show $224M in cash (sufficient for 2+ years of operations) but persistent losses (-$174M net income in 2023). The 0.496 beta suggests lower volatility than biotech peers, possibly due to its niche focus. Investors should monitor clinical milestones, particularly ziftomenib's Phase 2 data (expected 2024), while being mindful of dilution risk given the need for future financing.
Kura Oncology competes in the crowded targeted oncology space but differentiates through its focus on menin-KMT2A inhibition (ziftomenib) and farnesyl transferase inhibition (tipifarnib) - mechanisms with limited competition. Ziftomenib addresses the ~30% of AML patients with KMT2A rearrangements or NPM1 mutations, a space where only Syndax's revumenib (Phase 3) has advanced further. Tipifarnib's development in HRAS-mutated HNSCC targets a biomarker population (~5-8% of cases) with no approved targeted therapies. Kura's scientific leadership (including veterans from Intellikine) provides an edge in small molecule discovery, but the company lacks commercial infrastructure versus larger peers. Its $488M valuation reflects modest expectations compared to late-stage oncology peers, creating potential upside if clinical data surprises positively. The Novartis collaboration validates tipifarnib's combination potential but exposes Kura to partner-dependent timelines. Pipeline depth remains a concern with only two clinical assets, increasing binary risk around trial outcomes.