Jasper Therapeutics has completed its all‑stock acquisition of Kira Pharmaceuticals, creating a combined business focused on developing biologic agents for a wide range of immunologically‑driven conditions.
The deal is accompanied by a $132 million private placement co‑led by Affinity Asset Advisors and Ikarian Capital, with participation from multiple life sciences investors and Mirador Therapeutics.
The financing, alongside an out‑licensing agreement with Mirador worth $12 million upon signing, is expected to fund operations through the second half of 2028. The company will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker JSPR.
The combined pipeline includes KP‑104, a dual‑complement inhibitor being developed for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and renal disorders; briquilimab, an anti‑KIT antibody for transplant and immunologic indications; and KP‑701, a dual‑acting monoclonal antibody for autoantibody‑mediated diseases.
Jasper expects to reach several clinical milestones over the coming years, including KP‑104 phase 2 results, an end‑of‑phase 2 FDA meeting to support a potential phase 3 study, advancement of briquilimab in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency to a pre‑Biologics License Application meeting, and first‑in‑human data for KP‑701.
Jeet Mahal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jasper, said: “We are pleased to announce this transaction with Kira following a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.
“Kira has built a truly differentiated complement portfolio that includes dual MOA beyond single-pathway agents and long-acting complement inhibitors, reflecting the quality of their science and the deep expertise of their team.”
He added: “We are excited by the robust pipeline that this transaction creates, and are looking forward to advancing these important medicines for patients.”
Patrick Crutcher, formerly Chairman of the Board of Kira, said: “Today’s announcement marks a transformative step for the product candidates that Kira has developed. As we advance as part of Jasper, our mission is to develop biologic agents designed to improve outcomes in patients suffering from numerous immunologically-driven disorders.”
He explained: “In conjunction, the out-licensing of KP-301 and KP-402 to Mirador and their highly experienced team allows for the Combined Company to rapidly accelerate its potentially best-in-class portfolio toward significant value creating milestones, while also allowing for the development of these potentially best-in-class assets.”
