Kainova Therapeutics: C$32 Million Series B Raised For Immuno-Oncology Drug Development

By Amit Chowdhry • Yesterday at 10:31 PM

Kainova Therapeutics has completed the first close of its Series B financing round, raising $32 million cad to advance its pipeline of GPCR-targeting therapies in immuno-oncology and inflammation. The financing was led by Investissement Québec and backed by a broad group of returning investors, reinforcing support for the company’s strategy as it pushes multiple programs deeper into clinical development.

The round included continued participation from CTI Life Sciences, Panacea Venture, 3B Future Health Fund, Seventure Partners, Viva BioInnovator, Turenne Capital, Schroders Capital, adMare BioInnovations, and Seido Capital. Kainova said the capital will support the clinical advancement of its GPCR-focused approach and help accelerate development plans across its lead and follow-on assets.

Kainova’s most advanced program is DT-7012, a Treg-depleting anti-CCR8 antibody being evaluated in the ongoing Phase I/II DOMISOL trial in solid tumors. Beyond DT-7012, the company is advancing DT-9081, an EP4 antagonist for solid tumors, and DT-9046, a small-molecule biased antagonist of PAR2 intended for inflammatory conditions, as it builds out a broader portfolio around GPCR targets.

The company also highlighted corporate momentum tied to the financing, including plans to relocate its headquarters to Québec and expand its pharmaceutical development capabilities. Investissement Québec said its participation is intended to support life sciences innovation while helping establish a specialized development team in the province.

KEY QUOTES:

“I am delighted to welcome Investissement Québec as a new investor in the Company and deeply appreciate the continued commitment from our investors. This financing is a strong endorsement of our distinctive scientific strategy, our leadership in GPCR innovation, and our well-defined pipeline of high-value programs with significant commercial potential. Securing this investment is especially significant given the current challenging fundraising environment, but 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.”

Sean A. MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Kainova Therapeutics

“This financing marks a crucial moment in the realization of Kainova Therapeutics’ clinical roadmap and corporate growth. The team achieved significant clinical milestones during 2025, positioning the company at the forefront of GPCR innovation and demonstrating potential of value creation. We look forward with enthusiasm and are pleased to welcome Investissement Québec and Louis-Etienne Fortier to the Board of Directors to achieve the Company’s potential and vision of transforming patients’ lives.”

Laurence Rulleau, Chair of the Board, and Managing Partner, CTI Life Sciences Fund

“Investissement Québec is pleased to support the research and development of innovative solutions in a critical industry like life sciences. 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. Working in cooperation with the team at Kainova Therapeutics, we will deliver essential support to drive growth and foster further innovation.”

Bicha Ngo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Investissement Québec