HOOKIPA Pharmaceuticals Strategically Divests Immunooncology Assets HB-200 And HB-700 To NeoTrail Therapeutics

HOOKIPA Pharma Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm specializing in immunological innovation, has officially divested its oncology immunotherapy programs to NeoTrail Therapeutics, Inc. The asset transfer agreement was executed on January 28, 2026, with expected completion targeted for mid-2026. This transaction represents a pivotal shift in HOOKIPA’s strategic focus, channeling resources toward refining its proprietary arenaviral immunotherapy platform while enabling NeoTrail, a privately held therapeutics company, to advance these promising treatment candidates.

The disposed assets include Eseba-vec (HB-200) and HB-700, two investigational immunotherapeutics developed through HOOKIPA’s cutting-edge arenaviral technology. While financial specifics remain undisclosed, the strategic rationale centers on accelerating clinical development under new ownership with specialized capabilities in oncology immunotherapy.

Arenaviral Platform Innovation Accelerates Cancer Therapeutic Development

HB-200, known as Eseba-vec, represents a groundbreaking immunotherapeutic targeting HPV16-positive malignancies. The compound has secured Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and obtained PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency, reflecting regulatory recognition of its therapeutic potential. Most significantly, Phase 2 clinical trial results presented at November 2024’s Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Conference demonstrated encouraging outcomes when HB-200 was combined with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck carcinomas in the first-line treatment setting. Trial close-out procedures were successfully completed before the conclusion of 2025.

Next-Generation Program Positioned For Rapid Clinical Advancement

HB-700, an investigational arenaviral immunotherapy, targets KRAS-mutated malignancies across multiple organ systems including lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. The program achieved Investigational New Drug application clearance from the FDA in April 2024 and stands Phase 1-ready, with clinical manufacturing already completed. This advanced preparedness positions HB-700 for swift initiation of human trials under NeoTrail’s stewardship.

Expanding The Immunooncology Therapeutic Arsenal

“The clinical advancement of these compelling therapeutics at NeoTrail opens significant opportunities to deliver meaningful therapeutic benefits across diverse major market oncology indications,” noted Mark Winderlich, Chief Research and Development Officer at HOOKIPA. Beyond the divested programs, HOOKIPA maintains an active immuno-oncology development pipeline encompassing HB-300 for prostate cancer treatment, HB-400 targeting Hepatitis B virus, and HB-500 designed for Human Immunodeficiency Virus management, demonstrating the breadth of the company’s therapeutic innovation portfolio.

Market Reception Reflects Investor Confidence

HOOKIPA’s equity has traded within a range of $0.72 to $1.96 over the preceding twelve months. Following the transaction announcement, the stock concluded Tuesday’s trading session at $1.04, gaining 4.52%, signaling investor acknowledgment of the strategic repositioning and anticipated therapeutic progress under the new ownership structure.