KAHR Bio announced it posted “strong” topline results from a Phase 2a dose-expansion cohort evaluating its investigational immunotherapy DSP107 in combination with Roche’s atezolizumab (Tecentriq) in late-line metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC), a setting where checkpoint inhibitors have historically shown limited benefit.
The company said the regimen delivered a median overall survival of 17.5 months in advanced, chemo-refractory MSS-CRC patients, including a cohort in which roughly three-quarters had liver metastases. KAHR reported the combination showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile and clinical evidence of antitumor activity, adding that DSP107 has now been administered to more than 130 patients across multiple solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
Alongside the data update, KAHR also announced it closed a $22 million equity financing led by Flerie AB, Peregrine Ventures, Oriella Ltd. (Consensus Business Group), aMoon Growth Fund, and the Cancer Focus Fund, with additional participation from existing and new backers including SPRIM Global Investments. KAHR said the proceeds are expected to fully fund a randomized, controlled Phase 2b study comparing DSP107 plus atezolizumab against fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) in fourth-line metastatic MSS-CRC.
KAHR said the Phase 2b trial was initiated in December 2025 after the U.S. FDA cleared its investigational new drug application, with the first patient enrolled the same month. The company expects interim results in late 2026 and topline data in the second half of 2027, with planned enrollment across 18 sites in Australia and the U.S.
In addition to the equity round, KAHR said it secured a $10 million on-demand debt facility with SPRIM Global Investments tied to eligible R&D activity under Australia’s R&D tax rebate framework, and noted it is in discussions regarding additional equity commitments.
DSP107 is designed as a bispecific CD47×4-1BB fusion protein that uses tumor-expressed CD47 as an “anchor” to localize immune activation in the tumor microenvironment. KAHR says the approach aims to convert an immune-evasion signal into a 4-1BB co-stimulatory activation signal that recruits and activates cytotoxic T cells, an effect the company believes may be particularly relevant in MSS-CRC and liver metastases, where CD47 expression can be elevated after chemotherapy.
KEY QUOTES:
“Observing efficacy with an immunotherapy approach in late-line MSS-CRC patients with liver metastases is unexpected. DSP107’s mechanism is particularly suited to this setting as it utilizes CD47 overexpression on cancer cells to anchor a 4-1BB ligand to those cells, thereby attracting and activating T cells. CD47 expression increases in liver metastases following chemotherapy, creating a therapeutic window uniquely addressable by DSP107.”
Anwaar Saeed, M.D., Chief of GI Oncology, University of Pittsburgh; Co-Leader, Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
“Following these compelling topline results demonstrating anti-tumor activity and meaningful survival outcomes in heavily pretreated MSS-CRC patients, including those with liver metastases, we have made MSS-CRC our primary development focus and look forward to advancing the Phase 2b trial.”
“We highly appreciate the continued support from our existing and new investors. Their commitment reflects confidence in the clinical potential of DSP107 and the opportunity to meaningfully improve outcomes in MSS-CRC, a disease with a significant unmet medical need, and in our team’s ability to execute as we move toward our next milestones.”
Yaron Pereg, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, KAHR Bio
