Nkarta (NKTX) 7th Annual Evercore ISI HealthCONx Healthcare Conference summary

Strategic focus and differentiation

• Shifted focus to I&I space, emphasizing robust patient datasets over anecdotal data.

• Differentiation centers on safety, outpatient suitability, and avoidance of expansion-related toxicities.

• Allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK cell product enables broader, more efficient patient access.

• Reduced-intensity, fludarabine-free lymphodepletion regimen is a key safety and regulatory advantage.

• Ability to treat in community settings, not just large centers, seen as a major future advantage.

Clinical development and trial design

• Ntrust-1 and Ntrust-2 studies target lupus nephritis, myositis, vasculitis, and scleroderma.

• Enrollment benefits from parallel indications in Ntrust-2, allowing multiple patients to be dosed simultaneously.

• Patient stagger requirements slow enrollment but are seen as necessary for safety.

• Redosing is built into protocols, allowing flexibility for relapsed patients.

• First data from both studies expected in 2025.

Market and practitioner feedback

• Education is ongoing to differentiate NK cell therapy from CAR-T among practitioners.

• Investigators value the fludarabine-free approach and outpatient administration.

• Community-based treatment and reduced logistical burden are resonating with clinicians.

• Investigator buy-in is critical for enrollment and trial success.

• Feedback from major conferences highlights demand for off-the-shelf, easily accessible therapies.