On November 4, 2026 Kimia Therapeutics, Inc. (Kimia), a biotechnology company advancing small-molecule medicines in oncology and immunology with its integrated ATLAS discovery platform, reported a clinical collaboration agreement with CStone Pharmaceuticals (CStone, HKEX: 2616). Under the agreement, CStone will advance Kimia’s lead oncology asset, KT-721, a novel small-molecule therapy targeting pathways critical for tumor cell survival, into Phase 1 clinical development. The collaboration marks Kimia’s transition to a clinical-stage company, with first patient dosing expected in early 2027.
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CStone will lead the Phase 1 study in mainland China and Australia, applying its oncology clinical development and regulatory capabilities. The study includes dose-escalation and expansion components. It will evaluate KT-721 in biomarker-selected patient populations as an initial proof of concept, to define safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and early activity. Under the agreement, Kimia will reimburse CStone for the applicable clinical development costs, and CStone is eligible to receive milestone payments plus royalties on global net sales of the asset. Kimia is responsible for drug supply, CMC, scientific guidance and regulatory oversight, and retains full global rights to the asset.
Kimia’s lead asset, KT-721, was discovered using Kimia’s discovery platform integrating generative AI and medicinal chemistry. "Generative AI played a key role in the discovery of KT-721 inspiring novel paths of experimentation that led to a breakthrough for the program. This discovery was leveraged using clever medicinal chemistry resulting in a highly potent and selective molecule", said Stig K. Hansen, co-founder, President and CEO of Kimia. "Entering the clinic is a defining milestone for Kimia. It marks our rapid evolution into a clinical-stage company and is an important validation of our drug discovery strategy. CStone’s expertise and capabilities in oncology clinical development will be valuable as we aim to quickly evaluate KT-721 in Phase 1 proof-of-concept studies in biomarker-selected patient populations."
"We are pleased to collaborate with Kimia to advance this innovative oncology asset," said Dr. Jason Yang, Chief Executive Officer, President of R&D and Executive Director of CStone. "This collaboration connects Kimia’s innovative platform with a clear path to efficient and robust clinical development to bring potential new therapies to patients faster."
The lead asset is the first of a growing pipeline of potential first- and best-in-class small-molecule medicines in oncology and immunology discovered at Kimia. Additional programs are advancing through discovery and preclinical development.
(Press release, Kimia Therapeutics, NOV 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234674232])