Jasper Therapeutics Completes Acquisition of Kira Pharmaceuticals
After closing an all-stock merger with complement specialist Kira Pharmaceuticals, Jasper Therapeutics is set to create a diversified immunology company.
Clinical-stage biotech, Jasper Therapeutics, has completed its all‑stock acquisition of Kira Pharmaceuticals, a biotech developing targeted therapies for immune‑mediated diseases. The newly combined company features a diversified immunology pipeline focused on three core assets — KP‑104, briquilimab and KP‑701 — and will be further supported by USD 132 million in new capital, which is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2028 and across multiple clinical inflection points (1).
Jasper brings a clinically validated mast cell and stem cell platform in briquilimab, while Kira contributes a complement franchise led by KP‑104, which is already in Phase II/III development for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and entering a basket Phase II trial in rare renal disorders.
Briquilimab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks stem cell factor from binding the KIT receptor to deplete mast cells and hematopoietic stem cells. The drug has already shown positive results as a non‑toxic conditioning agent for stem cell transplant in severe combined immunodeficiency and Fanconi anemia, and has demonstrated durable mast cell suppression in chronic spontaneous urticaria and allergic asthma.
Kira has a portfolio of complement‑targeted biologics for immune‑mediated and rare renal diseases. The company’s lead asset, KP‑104 (vensobafusp alfa), is a bifunctional molecule designed to simultaneously inhibit the alternative and terminal complement pathways, with the aim of delivering potentially best‑in‑disease control in PNH and high‑need nephrology indications. The combined pipeline also includes KP‑701, a preclinical dual‑acting anti‑CD79B×CD32B antibody aimed at autoantibody‑mediated disorders, which the company plans to move into first‑in‑human studies in 2027. Together, the three assets are intended to form a coherent platform for treating a broad spectrum of immunologically driven diseases.
As part of the transaction, Kira has out‑licensed KP‑301, a long‑acting anti‑C5a antibody, and KP‑402, a small‑molecule C5a receptor antagonist, to Mirador Therapeutics for a USD 12 million upfront payment and potential milestones. The move allows the new Jasper to concentrate on its highest‑value immunology targets while Mirador advances the C5a franchise (1,2).
“We are pleased to announce this transaction with Kira following a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives,” said Jeet Mahal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jasper, in a company press release (1). “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. We are excited by the robust pipeline that this transaction creates and are looking forward to advancing these important medicines for patients.”
“[This] 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,” added Patrick Crutcher, MSc, formerly the Chairman of the Board of Kira, in the press release (1). “We are now focused on executing on multiple upcoming clinical milestones that have the potential to impact patients in need of better therapeutic options.”
The merged company is positioning itself to integrate upstream complement control with downstream mast cell and B‑cell modulation, aiming to deliver more complete pathway blockade in diseases where current therapies leave residual inflammation or require frequent dosing. With an experienced antibody development team and a strengthened investor syndicate, Jasper is betting that housing these mechanisms under one roof will improve its chances of delivering best‑in‑class biologics across immunology, nephrology and rare kidney disease.
References
Jasper Therapeutics. Jasper Therapeutics Announces Merger with Kira Pharmaceuticals. News Release, July 16, 2026.
Mirador Therapeutics. Mirador Therapeutics Expands Precision Immunology Portfolio with Exclusive License to KP-301, a Long-Acting Anti-C5a Antibody. Press Release, July 16, 2026.