ZACKSยท2025-10-01 14:42Core Insights - Kymera Therapeutics (KYMR) is focused on targeted protein degradation (TPD) to develop drugs for immunological diseases, with significant partnerships with Sanofi and Gilead Sciences to enhance its pipeline [1] Partnership with Sanofi - Sanofi has selected KT-485/SAR447971, an oral candidate targeting IRAK4 for immuno-inflammatory diseases, to advance into clinical studies, following extensive preclinical work [2][3] - Sanofi will discontinue the development of KT-474, which was under evaluation for hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis, and will exercise its participation election right for the IRAK4 target [4] - Kymera received a $20 million milestone payment in Q2 2025 related to KT-485, and is eligible for up to $975 million in potential milestones associated with this candidate [4][5] Collaboration with Gilead - Kymera entered an exclusive option and license agreement with Gilead to develop a novel molecular glue degrader (MGD) program targeting CDK2, with potential applications in breast cancer and other solid tumors [6] - The agreement includes an upfront payment of $85 million and potential total payments up to $750 million, along with tiered royalties on net product sales [7][8] Progress with Other Candidates - Kymera's KT-621 has shown strong phase I results in atopic dermatitis, with phase 2b trials planned for 2025-26 [10][11] - The data from KT-621 surpassed expectations, showing comparable efficacy to Dupixent, with ongoing studies expected to report results in Q4 2025 [12] - Kymera is advancing a follow-on oral STAT6 degrader to KT-621 and plans to initiate phase I testing for KT-579 in early 2026 [13] Overall Assessment - The oncology deal with Gilead is promising, providing a significant cash influx, but the delay in milestone payments due to Sanofi's decision to prioritize KT-485 over KT-474 presents challenges [14]