Kainova Therapeutics Raises $32M CAD to Advance GPCR-Targeting Cancer and Inflammation Therapies
Key Insights
Kainova Therapeutics (search) completed the first close of its Series B financing round, raising $32 million CAD led by Investissement Québec (search) to accelerate clinical development of GPCR (search)-targeting therapies.
The company's lead asset DT-7012, a Treg-depleting anti-CCR8 (search) antibody, is currently progressing in the Phase I/II DOMISOL trial for solid tumor treatment.
The funding will support advancement of multiple GPCR (search)-targeting programs including DT-9081 for solid tumors and DT-9046 (search) for inflammatory conditions.
Kainova Therapeutics (search) announced the successful first close of its Series B financing round, securing $32 million CAD to accelerate the clinical development of its G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR (search))-targeting therapies for immuno-oncology and inflammatory conditions. The financing was led by Investissement Québec (search), with continued support from existing investors including CTI Life Sciences (search), Panacea Venture, 3B Future Health Fund, Seventure Partners, Viva BioInnovator, Turenne Capital, Schroders Capital, adMare BioInnovations, and Seido Capital.
Clinical Pipeline Advancement
The Montreal-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company is advancing multiple GPCR (search)-targeting therapies through its pipeline. The lead asset, DT-7012, is a Treg-depleting anti-CCR8 (search) antibody currently progressing in the ongoing Phase I/II DOMISOL trial for the treatment of solid tumors. This unique clinical-stage antibody features differentiated competitive characteristics that position it distinctly in the immuno-oncology landscape.
Beyond its lead program, Kainova is developing DT-9081, an EP4 (search) antagonist for solid tumors, and DT-9046 (search), a small molecule biased antagonist of PAR2 (search) for inflammatory conditions. The company describes DT-9046 as a first-in-class pre-IND stage therapy, highlighting its innovative approach to targeting previously unexploited GPCR (search) pathways.
Strategic Investment and Corporate Growth
Sean A. MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Kainova Therapeutics (search), emphasized the significance of securing funding in the current challenging fundraising environment. "This financing is a strong endorsement of our distinctive scientific strategy, our leadership in GPCR (search) innovation, and our well-defined pipeline of high-value programs with significant commercial potential," MacDonald stated. "Exceptional science is still rewarded, and Kainova Therapeutics remains focused on advancing its robust clinical pipeline of GPCR targeting therapies and delivering breakthrough treatments for patients worldwide."
The investment demonstrates strong confidence in Kainova's strategic direction and supports the clinical advancement of its GPCR (search)-targeting therapies. Laurence Rulleau, Chair of the Board and Managing Partner of CTI Life Sciences (search) Fund, noted that the team achieved significant clinical milestones during 2025, positioning the company at the forefront of GPCR innovation.
Quebec Headquarters Relocation
The financing facilitates Kainova's relocation of its headquarters to Quebec, as confirmed by Bicha Ngo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Investissement Québec (search). "Through our participation in this significant financing effort, we are contributing to the relocation of the Company's headquarters to Québec and laying the groundwork for a team with unique expertise in pharmaceutical development," Ngo explained.
GPCR Innovation Leadership
Kainova Therapeutics (search) positions itself as a leader in precision medicine through its validated approach that integrates deep biological knowledge to unlock challenging and unexploited GPCR (search) targets. The company's strategy focuses on delivering highly differentiated therapies designed to address unmet medical needs and improve therapeutic efficacy in immuno-oncology and inflammation.
Operating across North America, France, and Australia, Kainova maintains collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies, physicians, and key opinion leaders worldwide. As GPCRs gain renewed attention as next-generation drug targets, the company combines deep biological insight with commercial maturity to drive global impact in competitive and fast-expanding markets.