Nkarta (NKTX) H.C. Wainwright 28th Annual Global Investment Conference summary

Platform overview and clinical programs

• Lead program NKX019 is a CD19-directed CAR-NK cell therapy engineered for enhanced persistence and activity, targeting pathogenic B cells in autoimmune diseases.

• Phase I-II trials are ongoing in nephrology (lupus nephritis, membranous nephropathy) and a basket trial for systemic sclerosis, myositis, vasculitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

• First clinical data will be presented at the American College of Rheumatology Convergence in November.

Differentiation and mechanism of action

• CAR-NK cells are fully off-the-shelf, allowing immediate treatment without manufacturing delays.

• NK cells show a favorable safety profile with no cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity observed to date.

• CD19 is broadly expressed on B cells, making it an optimal target for depleting pathogenic B cells and potentially inducing durable remissions.

Dosing strategy and trial design

• Current dosing is 4 billion cells per dose, three doses per cycle, with flexibility to escalate if needed.

• Dose finding is critical as NK cells do not expand in vivo like T cells, requiring careful determination of effective and safe dosing.

• Trial design allows for adaptation in lymphodepletion and dosing based on patient needs.