Strategic rethink as second Mural trial hits a wall

16 April 2025

US biotech Mural Oncology (Nasdaq: MURA) has halted all development of its lead candidate, nemvaleukin alfa, after the engineered cytokine failed to meet the primary endpoint in a Phase II melanoma trial — just weeks after a similar failure in ovarian cancer.

The company now plans to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale. Nemvaleukin was Mural’s only clinical-stage program.

The company said Tuesday it will immediately begin evaluating options to maximize shareholder value and has hired Lucid Capital Markets as its financial advisor. The company also announced it will reduce its workforce by approximately 90%, resulting in the loss of 104 jobs.

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