Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR) shares rose after the company presented data from first-in-human Phase 1a study on Novel T regulatory cell stimulator, NKTR-358 at the ACR 2019.
The San Francisco-based Nektar says the data, showed that treatment with NKTR-358 led to a marked and selective dose-dependent expansion in the numbers and proliferative capacity of FoxP3+CD25bright Treg cells, and a measurable activation of Treg cells.
NKTR-358 is designed to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions by correcting the immune system imbalance that results from reduced numbers and impaired function of immune-regulating Treg cells.
NKTR-358 works by targeting the interleukin-2 receptor complex to stimulate the proliferation and activation of Treg cells. NKTR-358 was discovered by Nektar and is being co-developed and commercialized in partnership with Eli Lilly and Company.
Said Nektar Senior Vice-President Brian Kotzin, "We're pleased to report that final results from our first-in-human Phase 1a study continue to support the positive safety and tolerability profile of NKTR-358, while reinforcing its selective and measurable impact on the numbers, expansion and activation of regulatory T cells or Tregs."
Among the findings, NKTR-358 was safe and well tolerated in this first-in-human study consistent with prior reported results. No anti-drug antibodies were detected.
Final data show dose-proportional pharmacokinetics, with maximal concentrations reached in five to seven days and prolonged exposure with an estimated half-life of eight to 11 days.
Shares gained $1.18, or 5.9%, to $21.22
