XinThera

About XinThera

XinThera operates as a biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule drugs for cancer and immunologic diseases. The company was established in 2021 in San Diego by a team of serial entrepreneurs: Stephen Kaldor, Ph.D., Qing Dong, Ph.D., and Gene Hung, M.D. The founding team possessed significant experience in medicinal chemistry and translational biology, having previously launched ventures like Kinnate Biopharma. The business model centered on identifying and developing a pipeline of therapeutic assets for well-understood targets in oncology and inflammation.

XinThera's core strategy involved leveraging advanced computational chemistry to design and advance its drug candidates. The company's pipeline featured small molecule inhibitors targeting PARP1 for oncology applications and MK2 for inflammatory diseases. PARP1 is an enzyme involved in DNA damage repair, a pathway targeted in several existing cancer treatments, while MK2 is implicated in the body's immune response. This dual focus allowed the company to pursue therapies for multiple indications. Funding for these research and development activities was secured through several rounds, including a Series A in May 2021 and a $50 million Series B round in August 2021, bringing its total financing to $80 million from investors such as Foresite Capital, OrbiMed Advisors, and TTM Capital.

A significant milestone occurred in May 2023 when Gilead Sciences acquired all outstanding shares of XinThera. The acquisition was a strategic move by Gilead to expand its early-stage pipeline in oncology and inflammation, gaining rights to XinThera's portfolio. At the time of the acquisition, Chris LeMasters served as CEO, bringing a track record of corporate strategy and business development from previous roles at companies like Amplyx Pharmaceuticals and Mirati Therapeutics. The transaction integrated XinThera's research assets into Gilead's larger R&D framework with the goal of advancing these potential therapies into clinical trials.