Khartis Therapeutics

About Khartis Therapeutics

Khartis Therapeutics is a San Diego-based biotechnology company developing oral small molecule medicines for immunological and chronic diseases. Founded in 2024 by CEO Robert Hoffman, Chief Scientific Officer Craig Murphy, and Executive Chairman Chris LeMasters, the company emerged from stealth on August 13, 2026, with $95 million in total funding. The leadership team, many of whom previously worked together at XinThera before its acquisition by Gilead Sciences in 2023, brings extensive experience in drug discovery. The company's scientific founders have a significant track record. Robert Hoffman, who also serves as Head of Research, had a 32-year career at Pfizer, contributing to multiple clinical candidates and receiving the 2021 ACS Heroes of Chemistry award. Craig Murphy was the Vice President of Immunology at XinThera, and Chris LeMasters served as XinThera's CEO. This seasoned team aims to translate compelling biology into differentiated medicines. Khartis' business model is centered on the discovery and development of first- and best-in-class oral therapies that target clinically validated immunology pathways. The company's lead program is the first oral, selective IGF-1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor) inhibitor specifically designed for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). This approach offers a more convenient, patient-friendly alternative to the current standard-of-care, which involves intravenous infusions. The goal is to provide a safer and more durable treatment option for a patient population with significant unmet needs. Khartis plans to advance its lead candidate into clinical trials in the first quarter of 2027 and is also developing a broader pipeline of three other internally developed drugs. The company was initially incubated within Foresite Labs and has secured substantial financial backing through Series A and B financing rounds. Key investors include Foresite Capital, Lilly Asia Ventures, Nextech Invest, Forge Life Science Partners, Longwood Fund, and Alexandria Venture Investments. This capital is being used to advance the lead program toward clinical trials and expand its pipeline of oral medicines.