NKGen Biotech Presents Interim Phase I Trial Data at 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference
SANTA ANA, Calif., July 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NKGen Biotech Inc. (NKGen), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous, allogeneic and CAR-NK natural killer (NK) cell therapies, today announced the presentation of a poster with interim Phase I trial data on the use of its investigational NK cell therapy, SNK01, to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The poster, entitled “Use of Expanded Non-Genetically Modified Natural Killer Cells (SNK01) with Enhanced Cytotoxicity in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease — Interim Report of a Phase I Trial”, described the Phase I trial during which NKGen intravenously administered SNK01 to 10 subjects with mild, moderate, or advanced AD (as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans) using a 3 + 3 dose escalation design. Baseline assessment of mild vs. moderate/severe AD used baseline Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) scores. Subjects received one of three doses of SNK01 (1 x 109 cells, 2 x 109 cells, or 4 x 109 cells). The cells were given intravenously every three weeks for four total treatments.
Cognitive assessments CDR-SB, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analyses (by electrochemiluminescent multiplexed immunoassays) were performed at baseline (Week 1), one week after the final dose (Week 11) and 12 weeks after the final dose (Week 22). The primary endpoint evaluated was safety. Secondary endpoints included changes in cognitive assessments and CSF biomarker levels.
“We are very pleased with the interim results from our Phase I trial,” said Dr. Paul Y. Song, M.D., CEO of NKGen. “Our enhanced and activated autologous SNK01 NK cell therapy appears to cross the blood brain barrier via a simple intravenous administration to help reduce proteins and neuroinflammation in a dose-dependent manner without any related serious adverse effects observed. Despite the fact that this was a dose-escalation trial in which most of the subjects received relatively low doses of SNK01, we were pleased to see changes not only in CSF biomarkers, but in cognitive function as well. We are encouraged by these interim results given the high unmet need to improve cognition and reduce neuroinflammation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We believe that the interim results support the continuing development of SNK01 for Alzheimer’s disease. While it is too early to assess either the safety or efficacy of these treatments given the small number of subjects, the interim data align well with our plans for a larger trial evaluating a higher dose and longer treatment duration.”
Highlights from the Poster Presentation:
As of data cutoff on June 30, 2023, the 10 subjects enrolled in the study had a median age of 79 years (range 56–85), a median MMSE score of 14 (range 2–23), a median CDR-SB score of 9 (range 4–18), and a median ADAS-Cog of 27.5 (range 18–65).
Based on the interim data, no related serious adverse events were observed, and a dose-limiting toxicity was not reached.
At Week 11 (one week post final dose; n=10), 70% of subjects had stable or improved CDR-SB, 60% had stable or improved ADAS-Cog, and 50% had stable or improved MMSE scores. One subject treated at the highest dose level (4 x 109 cells) had a significant improvement in MMSE (from 14 to 22), ADAS-Cog (from 32 to 24), and CDR-SB (from 10 to 5.5). Stable or improved CSF biomarker levels were observed, identified as Aβ42 (50% improved), Aβ42/40 (60% stable or improved; 30% improved), pTau181 (90% stable or improved; 70% improved), GFAP (60% improved), NfL (50% stable or improved; 30% improved), and YKL-40 (60% stable or improved; 50% improved). Three months after subjects discontinued treatment with SNK01, a rebound phenomenon was observed in some biomarkers.
At Week 22 (three months after the final dose), of eight subjects available for evaluation, 67% had stable CDR-SB and 83% had stable or improved ADAS-Cog and MMSE.
A SNK01 dose-response was observed, as indicated by cognitive improvement and protein and inflammation markers (CDR-SB, MMSE, pTau181, GFAP and YKL-40).
About NKGen
NKGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous, allogeneic, and CAR-NK NK cell therapies. NKGen is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.nkgenbiotech.com.
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Internal Contact:
Denise Chua, MBA, CLS, MT (ASCP)
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
949-396-6830
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