Kainova Therapeutics

About Kainova Therapeutics

Kainova Therapeutics, formerly known as Domain Therapeutics, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies that modulate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to treat immuno-oncology and inflammation. In January 2026, the company rebranded to Kainova Therapeutics to reflect its clinical progress and global focus. The name combines "Kairos," a decisive moment, and "Nova," for innovation, symbolizing the company's ambition to transform patient outcomes.

The company is led by CEO Sean A. MacDonald, who has over 20 years of experience in building biotech companies, and Chief Scientific Officer Stephan Schann, who has been with the organization since its origins in 2008. Kainova operates on a global scale with headquarters in Montreal, Canada, and additional operations in France and Australia. This international presence supports its integrated approach to drug discovery and development.

Kainova's business model centers on its proprietary discovery platform and a robust pipeline of GPCR-targeting drug candidates. The company makes money by advancing these assets through clinical trials and forming strategic collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies. On February 10, 2026, Kainova announced the first close of a $32 million CAD Series B financing round led by Investissement Québec, with support from existing investors. This funding is intended to accelerate the clinical development of its therapeutic pipeline.

The company's pipeline includes several promising assets. Its lead program, DT-7012, is a monoclonal antibody that targets CCR8 to deplete regulatory T cells (Tregs) and is currently in Phase I/II trials for solid tumors. Another key program is DT-9046, a first-in-class biased antagonist of PAR2 for inflammation, which is in the pre-IND stage. Additionally, Kainova is advancing DT-9081, a Phase II-ready EP4 receptor antagonist designed to reverse immunosuppression in solid tumors. By focusing on largely untapped GPCR targets in immuno-oncology and inflammation, Kainova aims to deliver differentiated therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs.