The data, which were presented during an oral session at the Annual
NKTR-358 is designed to correct the underlying immune system imbalance in people with autoimmune conditions, which are associated with reduced numbers and impaired function of powerful inhibitory immune cells, known as T regulatory (Treg) cells. NKTR-358 works by targeting the interleukin (IL-2) alpha-beta-gamma receptor complex in the body to stimulate proliferation of Treg cells and their suppressive functional activity.
"The data presented at EULAR 2019 demonstrate its meaningful and targeted effect of selective proliferation of Treg cells," said
The double-blind, single-ascending dose Phase 1a study evaluated 100 healthy volunteers who received subcutaneous doses of NKTR-358 ranging from 0.3 to 28 µg/kg. Subjects were followed for 50 days following administration.
Key highlights from today's data presentation include:
- NKTR-358 was safe and well tolerated in this first-in human study
- Preliminary data suggest dose-proportional pharmacokinetics for NKTR-358 and prolonged exposure with a half-life of 8-9 days
- NKTR-358 resulted in marked and selective dose-dependent expansion of CD25bright Treg cells
- NKTR-358 induced elevated Treg levels for > 20 days after a single dose administration
- No measurable changes in numbers and percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ Tcons at all doses and only low-level increases of NK cell numbers at highest doses tested
Nektar will host a call today for analysts and investors to review the data presented at EULAR 2019. Details of the call are as follows:
Date and Time: Thursday, June 13, 2018 at
Dial-in: (877) 881-2183 (toll-free) or (970) 315-0453 (access code 4438228)
The call will include immunology expert, Dr.
About NKTR-358
Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells in a person's body. A failure of the body's self-tolerance mechanisms enables the formation of the pathogenic auto-reactive T lymphocytes that conduct this attack. NKTR-358 is a potential first-in-class resolution therapeutic that may address this underlying immune system imbalance in patients with many autoimmune conditions. It targets the interleukin (IL-2) receptor complex in the body in order to stimulate proliferation of powerful inhibitory immune cells known as regulatory T cells. By activating these cells, NKTR-358 may act to bring the immune system back into balance. Nektar entered into a strategic collaboration with Lilly in 2017 to develop and commercialize NKTR-358.
NKTR-358 is being developed as a self-administered injection for a number of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1b study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and immunological effects of multiple ascending doses of NKTR-358 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is ongoing and additional studies in other inflammatory diseases are planned.
About Nektar
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which can be identified by words such as: "will," "may," "designed," "planned" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding the therapeutic potential and future development plans of NKTR-358. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, anticipated events and trends, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others: (i) our statements regarding the therapeutic potential of NKTR-358 are based on preclinical and clinical findings and observations to date from ongoing clinical studies; (ii) NKTR-358 is in early stage clinical development and the risk of failure remains high and failure can unexpectedly occur at any stage for one or more of the autoimmune indications being studied prior to regulatory approval due to lack of sufficient efficacy, safety considerations or other factors that negatively impact drug development; (iii) data reported from the Phase 1a study of NKTR-358 may not be predictive of results obtained from future clinical studies; (iv) scientific discovery of new medical breakthroughs is an inherently uncertain process and the future regulatory approval of potential new drug candidates (such as NKTR-358) is therefore very uncertain and unpredictable; (v) patents may not issue from our patent applications for our drug candidates, patents that have issued may not be enforceable, or additional intellectual property licenses from third parties may be required; and (vi) certain other important risks and uncertainties set forth in Nektar's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the
Contact:
For Investors:
Jennifer Ruddock of Nektar Therapeutics
415-482-5585
For Media:
Katie Engleman of 1AB
919-333-7722
katie@1abmedia.com
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