Kura Oncology Launches Caspian Therapeutics With $50 Million Funding

07:44 AM EDT, 09/09/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Kura Oncology (KURA) has launched Caspian Therapeutics, a separately funded company focused on developing treatments for diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases, the drugmaker said Wednesday. Caspian raised $50 million in funding led by BVF Partners, with participation from Kura, T1D Fund, Invus, Montanova and Eli Lilly (LLY), among others, the company said. The funding will support development of KO-7246, an experimental drug designed to increase the number and function of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, Kura said. Caspian plans to seek US clearance to begin human testing and initially evaluate the drug's safety and effects on insulin production, it added. Kura said it will retain about a 50% stake in Caspian and a board seat, while providing research and development support.