TuHURA Biosciences hires new EVP for drug development

TAMPA, Fla. - TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: HURA), a $148 million market cap company focused on developing cancer immunotherapies, has appointed Bertrand Le Bourdonnec, PhD, as Executive Vice President, Head of Drug Discovery, Early Development, and Program Management. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a FAIR financial health score, with notably strong liquidity positions. Dr. Le Bourdonnec brings extensive experience in drug discovery and development, particularly in the field of opioid receptor pharmacology.

With a career spanning two decades, Dr. Le Bourdonnec has led research and development programs resulting in 12 pre-clinical/clinical candidates and seven investigational new drug/clinical trial applications. His expertise includes the biochemistry and pharmacology of the Delta Opioid Receptor (DOR), which is a primary target in TuHURA’s Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Antibody Peptide Conjugate (APC) technology platform.

Dr. Le Bourdonnec’s previous roles include Chief Scientific Officer at HDAX Therapeutics and VP at Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, where he managed multiple scientific teams and contributed to the discovery of novel kinase inhibitors. He was also instrumental in the development of spirocyclic DOR agonists at Adolor Corporation, which were later licensed to Pfizer.

James Bianco, M.D., President and CEO of TuHURA, expressed excitement about the addition of Dr. Le Bourdonnec to the team, highlighting his unique qualifications to lead the discovery effort for the company’s novel ADCs and APCs.

Dr. Le Bourdonnec shared his enthusiasm for joining TuHURA at a critical stage in the company’s development, aiming to advance the pipeline and address unmet medical needs in cancer treatment.

TuHURA Biosciences is currently preparing for a Phase 3 trial of its lead innate immune agonist candidate, IFx-2.0, in combination with Keytruda® for advanced or metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma. The company is also developing bi-specific ADCs and APCs targeting Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells to inhibit their immune-suppressing effects on the tumor microenvironment. InvestingPro analysis shows the company holds more cash than debt, with a strong current ratio of 3.68x. Investors anticipating the company’s next moves can mark May 14, 2025, for the next earnings announcement, with analyst price targets ranging from $9.25 to $15 per share.

This announcement is based on a press release statement and includes forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. TuHURA’s future performance and actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

In other recent news, TuHURA Biosciences reported a net loss of $1.21 per share for 2024, which was significantly wider than the anticipated loss of $0.35 per share. The company’s research and development expenses totaled $13.3 million, while selling, general, and administrative expenses amounted to $4.3 million, diverging from earlier estimates. Despite the financial results, H.C. Wainwright maintained a Buy rating on TuHURA Biosciences, though it adjusted the price target from $13 to $12. The firm anticipates that the company’s cash reserves, which stand at $12.7 million, will support operations into the fourth quarter of 2025.

Additionally, TuHURA Biosciences announced the issuance of secured promissory notes totaling over $3 million. This was in exchange for the exercise of more than 1 million warrants by entities including KP Biotech Group, LLC, and others. The notes carry a 12% annual interest rate, with principal and interest due by May 30, 2025. If unpaid by the maturity date, the interest rate will rise to 18%. This financial strategy is part of TuHURA Biosciences’ broader efforts in capital management.

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