Kairos Pharma Expands Lung Cancer Pipeline with Acquisition of Celyn Therapeutics’ Assets

Kairos Pharma Ltd (NYSEAMERICAN: KAPA) is bolstering its efforts in the fight against lung cancer through the acquisition of key assets from privately held Celyn Therapeutics. The company entered into a binding agreement on March 2, 2026, to secure exclusive worldwide rights to two promising drug candidates: CL-273 and CL-741.

Targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

These drugs are designed to target non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85 percent of all cases . NSCLC is frequently linked to mutations in genes like the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which drive tumor growth. EGFR mutations are present in 10 to 15 percent of patients in Western countries, but this rate can climb to as high as 50 percent in Asian populations.

Addressing Drug Resistance with CL-273

A significant challenge in NSCLC treatment is the development of drug resistance, leaving patients with limited options. CL-273 is an investigational, reversible, wild-type-sparing pan-EGFR inhibitor developed using an AI-based drug discovery platform . It is designed to selectively block mutated EGFR proteins even as preserving healthy proteins, potentially overcoming resistance to existing therapies.

CL-741: Complementary c-MET Inhibition

CL-741, an orally administered drug, complements CL-273 by targeting the c-MET protein. C-MET often interacts with EGFR to promote cancer growth, and spread. By inhibiting both targets, the combination therapy aims to provide a more effective treatment approach for tough-to-treat lung cancers.

Deal Details and Financial Implications

Kairos Pharma is financing the acquisition by providing Celyn Therapeutics with a 16.5 percent stake in the company, along with a $15 million payment upon achievement of a key FDA approval milestone. Kairos will pay Celyn 2 percent of U.S. Sales .

Market Opportunity and Future Development

The acquisition positions Kairos Pharma to capitalize on a substantial market. The market for EGFR-mutant lung cancer therapies is projected to reach $16.2 billion by the end of 2026 . Celyn Therapeutics, backed by investors including OrbiMed and Torrey Pines Investment, brings valuable AI expertise to the collaboration. Kairos plans to accelerate clinical trials utilizing its facilities at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

“By partnering with Kairos Pharma and leveraging their clinical consortia at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, we are able to rapidly advance CL-273 and CL-741,” said Celyn CEO Nikolay Savchuk in a press release on February 26 .

Expanding Kairos Pharma’s Portfolio

This acquisition expands Kairos Pharma’s existing portfolio, which includes therapies for prostate cancer and other cancers. Founded in 2013, Kairos Pharma specializes in developing drugs that overcome cancer cells’ defenses against treatments and the immune system. Its lead compound, ENV-105, is currently in Phase II trials for prostate cancer and Phase I trials for lung cancer.

Following the announcement of the deal, Kairos Pharma shares experienced a 16 percent increase, indicating investor confidence despite a 48 percent decline in share value over the previous six months .