HOOKIPA Pharma Sells Oncology Assets Including HPV and KRAS-Targeted Therapies to NeoTrail Therapeutics
Key Insights
HOOKIPA Pharma announced the sale of its immuno-oncology assets, primarily HB-200 and HB-700 development programs, to NeoTrail Therapeutics (search) for an undisclosed amount.
HB-200 (eseba-vec (search)) is an investigational immunotherapy for HPV16 (search) positive cancers that showed positive preliminary Phase 2 data in head and neck cancer patients.
HB-700 represents a novel arenaviral immunotherapy targeting multiple KRAS (search) mutations in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, with Phase 1 readiness achieved.
HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. announced the sale of its immuno-oncology assets to NeoTrail Therapeutics (search), Inc., marking a significant transition for two promising cancer immunotherapy programs. The asset purchase agreement, signed on January 28, 2026, encompasses primarily the HB-200 (eseba-vec (search)) and HB-700 development programs, with the transaction expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 subject to customary closing conditions. The purchase price remains undisclosed.
"We are delighted that the clinical development of these promising therapeutics will continue at NeoTrail with an opportunity to deliver patient benefit in multiple major market indications," stated Mark Winderlich, Chief R&D Officer of HOOKIPA.
HB-200 Shows Promise in HPV-Positive Cancers
Eseba-vec (search), also known as HB-200, represents an investigational immunotherapeutic agent being evaluated for HPV16 (search) positive cancers. The therapy employs a unique approach, alternating the administration of both HB-201 (LCMV) and HB-202 (PICV), collectively referred to as "HB-200." These attenuated viral vectors function as replicating-based therapeutics expressing a non-oncogenic, but highly immunogenic, E7E6 (search) fusion protein from HPV16.
The program has demonstrated encouraging clinical progress, with positive preliminary data from a Phase 2 trial (NCT04180215) of HB-200 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent/metastatic HPV16 (search) positive head and neck cancers in the first line setting. These results were presented in November 2024 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Conference, with trial close out activities completed before the end of 2025.
The regulatory pathway for HB-200 has been expedited through Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency, highlighting the potential clinical significance of this approach. HB-200 was developed using HOOKIPA's proprietary arenavirus platform.
HB-700 Targets Multiple KRAS Mutations
HB-700 represents an investigational arenaviral immunotherapy designed to treat KRAS (search)-mutated lung, colorectal, pancreatic and other cancers. The therapy employs a replicating 2-vector approach that targets the most prevalent KRAS mutations, including G12D, G12V, G12R, G12C and G13D, potentially benefiting more patients than single mutation inhibitors.
The program has achieved significant developmental milestones, receiving Investigational New Drug application clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in April 2024. HB-700 is Phase 1 ready, with clinical trial material manufacturing completed, positioning it for imminent clinical evaluation under NeoTrail's stewardship.
Strategic Asset Transfer
The sale represents a strategic decision by HOOKIPA to divest its oncology portfolio while ensuring continued development of these therapeutic candidates. Both HB-200 and HB-700 utilize next-generation therapeutic cancer vaccine approaches, targeting different oncology indications with distinct mechanisms of action.
The transaction structure allows NeoTrail Therapeutics (search) to acquire established programs with regulatory designations, completed manufacturing capabilities, and clinical data, potentially accelerating the path to market for these innovative cancer immunotherapies.