Nkarta’s AML Update Disappoints, But New Conditioning Regimen Might Improve Response

More than a year after reporting promising early data for its allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) candidate NKX101 in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia, Nkarta, Inc. disappointed investors on 27 June with an update several analysts called underwhelming, but also provided some hope with data from six AML patients who received a different chemotherapy conditioning regimen prior to the cell therapy.

The South San Francisco-based firm’s stock finished the trading day down substantially, falling 38% to $2.81 per share, but Nkarta...