STAT+: Leukemia drug data suggested a different way to treat diabetes. A new biotech will test that idea

STAT PlusBiotech Leukemia drug data suggested a different way to treat diabetes. A new biotech will test that idea Kura Oncology turns experimental therapy into new biotech, Caspian Therapeutics Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jonathan WosenSept. 9, 2026 West Coast Biotech & Life Sciences Reporter Jonathan Wosen[email protected]Jonathan Wosen is STAT’s West Coast biotech & life sciences reporter.

You can reach Jonathan on Signal at jwosen.27. SAN DIEGO — When Kura Oncology decided to take aim at a protein involved in cell division and signaling, researchers reported a bonus finding: Targeting the protein, menin, didn’t just control the growth of leukemia cells, it also helped control blood sugar levels in animal studies. The biotech on Wednesday announced that it is turning that insight into a new company.

The new firm, Caspian Therapeutics, is launching with $50 million in financing to develop menin inhibitors for diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases. The initial funding, led by BVF Partners and joined by Eli Lilly and members of Kura’s leadership team, among others, is meant to advance Caspian’s lead small molecule drug through an early-phase clinical trial in diabetes and support the development of a second candidate.Advertisement Kura will retain around 50% ownership of Caspian, and Kura CEO Troy Wilson will serve as executive chair of the new biotech’s board. Robert Spencer, who was most recently CEO of Neurommune Therapeutics and has previously led drug discovery programs at Merck, was named Caspian’s head.

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Subscribe Log In biotechnology, Cancer, diabetes, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Jonathan Wosen West Coast Biotech & Life Sciences Reporter Jonathan Wosen is STAT’s West Coast biotech & life sciences reporter. You can reach Jonathan on Signal at jwosen.27. Newsletter Critical updates on the fast-moving world of cancer research, treatment, and patient care Recommended Biotech September 8, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA names acting heads of drug and vaccine centers to permanent roles Health Tech Newsletter September 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Oura files to goes public, reported $1.2B in earnings Advertisement The Readout September 8, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA approves AstraZeneca breast cancer drug Biotech September 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Inhibrx claims first win for long-sought immunotherapy target Biotech September 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Roivant lung disease drug hits mid-stage study goals Subscriber Picks