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About Mural Oncology PLC
Mural Oncology PLC (Nasdaq: MURA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative immuno-oncology therapies to address critical unmet needs in cancer treatment. By leveraging its proprietary expertise in immune cell modulation and protein engineering, Mural Oncology is pioneering a new wave of cytokine-based immunotherapies designed to deliver meaningful clinical benefits for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Core Focus and Expertise
The company’s mission centers on harnessing the therapeutic potential of cytokines—key signaling proteins in the immune system—while overcoming the limitations traditionally associated with these molecules, such as toxicity and short half-life. Mural’s unique approach involves advanced protein engineering to create novel therapies that selectively activate immune responses against tumors, while minimizing adverse effects.
Pipeline and Key Programs
Mural Oncology’s lead product candidate, nemvaleukin alfa, is an engineered interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine designed to amplify the antitumor effects of IL-2 while mitigating its hallmark toxicities. Nemvaleukin selectively targets the intermediate-affinity IL-2 receptor, promoting the expansion of CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are critical for antitumor immunity, while minimizing the activation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Nemvaleukin is currently being evaluated in two potentially registrational trials:
- ARTISTRY-7: A Phase 3 trial investigating nemvaleukin in combination with pembrolizumab for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), a condition with limited treatment options and poor outcomes.
- ARTISTRY-6: A Phase 2 trial assessing nemvaleukin as a monotherapy for mucosal melanoma, a rare and aggressive cancer subtype.
Beyond nemvaleukin, Mural Oncology is advancing two preclinical programs targeting interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). These programs aim to address the inherent challenges of native cytokines, such as short half-life and toxicity, through innovative protein engineering:
- IL-18 Program: Mural’s IL-18 candidate, MURA-8518, is a binding protein-resistant, half-life-extended cytokine designed to sustain immune activation and overcome the neutralizing effects of IL-18 binding proteins.
- IL-12 Program: MURA-7012 employs a split-subunit approach to deliver IL-12 directly to the tumor microenvironment, reducing systemic exposure and associated toxicities.
Strategic Positioning and Market Impact
Mural Oncology operates within the highly competitive immuno-oncology landscape, which includes both established pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech firms. The company’s differentiation lies in its proprietary protein engineering platform and its strategic focus on cytokine-based therapies. By addressing the limitations of earlier cytokine treatments, Mural aims to unlock the full therapeutic potential of these molecules, positioning itself as a key player in the next wave of immuno-oncology advancements.
Commitment to Patients and Innovation
With its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and primary facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts, Mural Oncology is driven by a mission to improve the lives of cancer patients through scientific innovation and clinical excellence. The company’s robust pipeline and focus on addressing high unmet medical needs underscore its commitment to advancing the field of immuno-oncology.
Mural Oncology, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker MURA, announced the granting of inducement stock options and restricted stock units to two new employees.
On June 3, 2024, the company awarded non-statutory stock options to purchase 7,995 ordinary shares and restricted stock units for 4,305 ordinary shares under the company's 2024 Inducement Stock Option and Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $3.41 per share, matching the closing price on June 3, 2024, a ten-year term, and vest over four years with 25% vesting after the first year and 6.25% vesting quarterly thereafter. The restricted stock units vest at 25% annually over four years.
These grants were made as an inducement for the employees' new roles, complying with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
Mural Oncology presented data from its ARTISTRY-3 trial at the ASCO annual meeting, showing that less frequent dosing of nemvaleukin alfa (nemvaleukin), an engineered IL-2 cytokine, is well-tolerated and effective.
The trial shifted from five daily infusions to two infusions per three-week cycle, both as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab. Nemvaleukin showed promising pharmacodynamic effects, such as expansion of immune-stimulating CD8+ T cells and NK cells, with minimal expansion of immunosuppressive Tregs, and no new safety issues.
Preliminary data from ARTISTRY-6 cohorts are expected in 2025.
Mural Oncology (Nasdaq: MURA) announced Q1 2024 financial results and a business update. Key highlights include ongoing clinical trials for nemvaleukin alfa in ovarian cancer and melanoma, with readouts expected in 1H 2025. Mural is also evaluating a new, less frequent IV dose of nemvaleukin. Preclinical data on IL-18 and IL-12 therapies were presented in April 2024, with candidate nominations anticipated by year-end.
Financially, Mural reported a net loss of $30.9 million, improved from $46.5 million YoY. Cash reserves stand at $231.7 million, expected to fund operations into Q4 2025. R&D expenses decreased to $26.9 million, while G&A expenses rose to $7.2 million, reflecting standalone public company costs.
Mural Oncology plc announced the granting of non-statutory stock options and restricted stock units to three newly hired employees as inducement material. The stock options have an exercise price of $3.78 per share, with a ten-year term and vesting over four years. The restricted stock units also vest over four years, 25% per year, subject to continued service with the Company.
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