Core Viewpoint - Mural Oncology plc has entered into a definitive agreement with XOMA Royalty Corporation for the acquisition of Mural's entire issued share capital, which is seen as beneficial for Mural shareholders following a strategic review process [1][52]. Transaction Details - The acquisition will provide Mural shareholders with a base cash price of $2.035 per share, with the potential for an additional cash amount of up to $0.205 per share based on Mural's Closing Net Cash exceeding estimated amounts [2][54]. - The total valuation of Mural's share capital in the acquisition is approximately $36.2 million, excluding any additional payments [4][56]. - The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to shareholder approval and High Court sanction [9][53]. Strategic Review Background - Mural Oncology is focused on developing cytokine-based immunotherapies for cancer treatment [13][63]. - Following unsuccessful clinical trials, Mural decided to explore strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, leading to the acquisition proposal from XOMA Royalty [14][64]. - The Mural Board evaluated various options, including liquidation and reverse takeovers, concluding that the acquisition was the best route for shareholder value [71][72]. Board Recommendations - The Mural Board, advised by Lucid Capital Markets, considers the acquisition terms fair and reasonable, recommending that shareholders vote in favor [8][73]. - Mural directors holding approximately 0.42% of shares have committed to vote in favor of the acquisition [7][74].

Core Viewpoint - Mural Oncology (MURA) announced the discontinuation of all clinical development of nemvaleukin alfa, leading to a 134% surge in its stock price as investors anticipate potential strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value [1][3]. Company Decisions - The company will explore various strategic options, including a potential sale, merger, or other transactions, with no set timeline for this process [2]. - Mural Oncology will reduce its workforce by 90% as part of its restructuring efforts [1]. Financial Performance - As of December 31, 2024, Mural Oncology reported approximately $144.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities [4]. Pipeline Setbacks - The decision to halt clinical development follows the failure of the phase II ARTISTRY-6 study for melanoma and disappointing results from the phase III ARTISTRY-7 study for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) [4][9]. - The ARTISTRY-6 study did not meet its primary goal, and the ARTISTRY-7 study showed no statistically significant improvement in overall survival compared to chemotherapy [7][9]. Market Reaction - Investors reacted positively to the announcement, likely due to hopes of recovering value lost from previous setbacks, as MURA shares have declined 25.2% year-to-date compared to the industry’s 7.1% decline [3].