LEXINGTON, Mass., June 26, 2026
Curis, Inc. announced continued progress in its Phase 2 TakeAim CLL clinical trial, confirming that 11 clinical sites are now actively enrolling patients to evaluate emavusertib (CA-4948) in combination with zanubrutinib for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The company also reaffirmed its guidance to dose the first five patients by the end of July 2026, with initial clinical data anticipated in December 2026. The expansion of enrollment sites reflects growing investigator interest in the combination therapy, which is designed to provide dual inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, a major driver of CLL progression. Alongside the clinical update, Curis announced that shareholders approved a reverse stock split proposal intended to help the company regain compliance with Nasdaq’s $1.00 minimum bid price requirement.
TakeAim CLL Study Expands Patient Enrollment
The TakeAim CLL trial is an open-label Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of emavusertib, an oral IRAK4 and FLT3 inhibitor, combined with the BTK inhibitor zanubrutinib. The study is enrolling patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who have achieved a partial response (PR) or partial response with lymphocytosis (PR-L) after receiving zanubrutinib for at least 12 months but remain measurable residual disease-positive (MRD+) based on the ClonoSEQ assay. Investigators are assessing whether adding emavusertib can further suppress disease activity by targeting complementary signaling pathways involved in CLL survival. Curis stated that activating 11 enrollment sites represents an important operational milestone supporting timely patient recruitment and planned clinical updates later this year.
Emavusertib Continues Broad Clinical Development
Beyond the TakeAim CLL program, emavusertib continues to be evaluated across multiple hematologic malignancies. The investigational therapy is also being studied in the TakeAim Lymphoma Phase 1/2 trial in combination with ibrutinib for patients with relapsed or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Curis noted that development programs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have largely been completed, with plans to continue advancement pending additional funding. Emavusertib has received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PCNSL, AML, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), as well as orphan designation from the European Commission for PCNSL, supporting its development in rare hematologic cancers with significant unmet medical need.
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Shareholders Approve Reverse Stock Split Proposal
Curis also reported that shareholders approved an amendment authorizing a reverse stock split at a ratio ranging from 1-for-5 to 1-for-25, with the final ratio to be determined by the company’s Board of Directors. The action is intended to restore compliance with Nasdaq Capital Market listing requirements, specifically the minimum bid price rule, while maintaining the company’s listing under the CRIS ticker symbol. Curis plans to announce the final reverse split ratio and implementation date before it becomes effective. The company believes that maintaining Nasdaq listing compliance will support its ongoing clinical development programs, including the advancement of emavusertib in CLL, lymphoma, and other hematologic malignancies.
Source: Curis press release
