HOOKIPA Divests HB-200 And HB-700 Oncology Programs To NeoTrail Therapeutics

HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. has executed a significant asset transfer, offloading its two immunooncology development programs to NeoTrail Therapeutics. The transaction centers on HB-200 and HB-700, representing a strategic repositioning as the company focuses its clinical pipeline on other priority assets. This divestiture signals the pharmaceutical landscape’s ongoing consolidation in immuno-oncology, where specialized biotech firms acquire validated programs from larger clinical-stage companies seeking portfolio optimization.

Strategic Asset Transfer In Immunooncology

The asset purchase agreement was formalized on January 28, 2026, with transaction closure anticipated in the second quarter of 2026. While specific financial terms remain confidential, the transaction underscores NeoTrail Therapeutics’ commitment to advancing novel immunotherapeutic approaches. NeoTrail, a privately held biopharmaceutical firm, assumes responsibility for continued clinical development and regulatory interactions surrounding both programs. HOOKIPA’s decision to divest reflects a broader strategy of concentrating resources on its remaining clinical programs while enabling these promising therapeutics to progress under fresh leadership and capital allocation.

HB-200’s Clinical Promise In HPV16-Positive Cancers

HB-200, marketed under the brand name Eseba-vec, represents HOOKIPA’s most advanced immunotherapy candidate within the transferred portfolio. The program targets HPV16-positive cancers and has achieved significant regulatory milestones, including Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency. These designations streamline the regulatory approval pathway by enabling expedited review and increased communication with regulatory authorities.

Clinical validation emerged from Phase 2 trial results presented in November 2024 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Conference. The trial evaluated HB-200 in combination with pembrolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, in patients with recurrent and metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck cancers in the first-line treatment setting. Preliminary data demonstrated encouraging efficacy signals, justifying advancement toward later-stage development. Trial close-out activities were completed before 2025 concluded, positioning the program for seamless transition to NeoTrail’s research operations.

HB-700 And KRAS-Mutated Tumor Opportunity

HB-700 represents the second major asset transferred through this transaction. This investigational arenaviral immunotherapy targets KRAS-mutated tumors across multiple organ systems, including lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. The KRAS mutation represents a compelling therapeutic target, as KRAS-driven malignancies represent a substantial portion of human cancers and historically lacked effective targeted approaches. Recent advances in KRAS-directed therapy have opened new market opportunities, making programs like HB-700 increasingly valuable.

The program achieved significant developmental milestones prior to the asset transfer. HB-700 received Investigational New Drug application clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in April 2024, marking regulatory authorization to commence human trials. Clinical trial material manufacturing has been completed, positioning the program for Phase 1 initiation under NeoTrail’s stewardship.

HOOKIPA’s Evolving HB-Series Pipeline

Despite divesting HB-200 and HB-700, HOOKIPA maintains a diversified HB-series pipeline targeting multiple high-value indications. The company’s remaining immuno-oncology programs include HB-300 focused on prostate cancer treatment, HB-400 designed to address Hepatitis B chronic infection, and HB-500 targeting Human Immunodeficiency Virus. These programs reflect HOOKIPA’s continued commitment to leveraging its proprietary arenavirus platform technology for infectious disease and cancer indications.

Mark Winderlich, Chief R&D Officer at HOOKIPA, expressed confidence in the transaction’s implications: “The clinical development of these promising therapeutics will continue at NeoTrail with an opportunity to deliver patient benefit in multiple major market indications.” This statement underscores the strategic rationale—enabling validated programs to advance under sponsors with specialized focus and dedicated resources, while HOOKIPA concentrates on its core pipeline assets and platform technology development.