Lisata jumps as Kuva Labs strikes acquisition deal

Lisata Therapeutics

21/01/2026 14:17

** Shares of drug developer Lisata Therapeutics LSTA.O rise 85% to $3.99 premarket

** Co says it has agreed to be acquired by privately held Kuva Labs for $4 per share in cash, plus milestone payments of $2 per share tied to regaining China rights for its drug, certepetide, and a future approval filing

** Co's lead drug certepetide is being tested to help cancer drugs better penetrate solid tumors; Lisata expects key trial readouts over the next 18 months, co says

** Co says offer is an 85% premium to last close and could reach a 180% premium if both milestones are hit

** Deal unanimously approved; final agreement expected before Feb. 27 and subject to shareholder approval, co says

** Shares down ~38% in 2025

(Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))