Nkarta Inc. (NKTX)

Overview

Nkarta, Inc. is a pioneering biopharmaceutical company that operates in the clinical-stage, focusing on the development and commercialization of innovative natural killer (NK) cell therapies. These therapies are designed for the treatment of cancer as well as autoimmune diseases. The company employs cutting-edge technology to harness the innate power of NK cells, combining them with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to target and eliminate cancer cells more effectively. Founded in 2015, Nkarta has established itself in South San Francisco, California, at the forefront of cellular therapy research. In collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics AG, Nkarta continues to advance its research and development efforts, aiming to bring new therapeutic options to patients with limited treatment opportunities.

Products and Services

NKX019: This leading-edge CAR NK cell therapy targets the CD19 antigen, which is commonly expressed on the surface of B cells implicated in various lymphomas and leukemias. Currently, NKX019 is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety in treating relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r NHL). The therapy represents a novel approach in harnessing the natural cytotoxic abilities of NK cells against cancer cells.

NKX101: Another innovative product candidate from Nkarta is NKX101, which is designed to attack cells displaying NKG2D ligands. These ligands are typically expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making NKX101 a potential therapy for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML), high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, and solid tumors. NKX101 leverages the potent antitumor activity of NK cells, activating them through the NKG2D receptor — a recognized mediator of NK cell cytotoxicity.

NKX070: Focused on targeting the CD70 tumor antigen, NKX070 is Nkarta's response to the need for effective treatments against both solid and liquid tumors. By targeting CD70, an antigen expressed in various cancers, NKX070 aims to provide a broad-spectrum antitumor therapy, leveraging the innate and adaptive immune systems to eradicate cancer cells.

NK+T Cell Therapy: Expanding the scope of cellular immunotherapy, Nkarta is developing therapies that combine the unique attributes of NK cells with T cells. This approach aims to create a dual-action therapy capable of addressing oncology, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. By uniting the fast-acting, innate response of NK cells with the adaptability and memory of T cells, Nkarta envisions creating a more versatile and potentially more effective treatment option.