Carna Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company primarily engaged in the discovery and development of innovative small molecule kinase inhibitors to treat serious unmet medical needs. Founded in April 2003 and headquartered in Kobe, Japan, Carna Biosciences provides a broad range of high-quality kinase-related products and drug discovery services to scientists globally to support efficient identification of kinase inhibitors. Its core product offerings include active human recombinant kinases, biotinylated kinases, kinase profiling and screening services, assay development platforms such as NanoBRET TE intracellular kinase cell-based assays, protein detection and interaction assays, live-cell kinase assays, crystallization, and ultra-pure protein production for crystallography. The company’s drug pipeline features preclinical and clinical candidates including AS-0141, an orally bioavailable CDC7 kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment, and AS-0871, a small molecule drug in Phase 1 trials for inflammatory and immune disorders.
In recent developments, Carna Biosciences raised approximately ¥225 million through a private placement of Series 1 unsecured convertible bonds involving participation from Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, with the transaction expected to close in July 2025. The company has expanded its global collaborative network with partnerships including Johnson & Johnson, Sierra Oncology, Sumitomo Pharma, Gilead Sciences, BioNova Pharmaceuticals, and Fresh Tracks Therapeutics to accelerate drug discovery and development efforts. Additionally, Carna Biosciences continues to leverage innovative platforms like Evotec’s INDiGO to advance programs such as CB-1763 for blood cancer toward regulatory submissions. The company maintains strategic growth through expanded licensing, service diversification, and international distribution agreements, solidifying its position in kinase drug discovery and development markets worldwide.