Latest news with #neurodegenerativediseases
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NKGen Receives FDA Expanded Access Protocol Authorization for Landmark Treatment of Several Neurodegenerative Diseases
Troculeucel, a cryopreserved, autologous enhanced natural killer cell therapy, has demonstrated preliminary clinical benefit without any drug-related adverse events in two Phase I clinical trials in Alzheimer's Disease. Company receives expanded access protocol authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for troculeucel granted to treat patients with known diagnoses of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. IND approval allows for up to 20 patients to be enrolled; first patient enrollment is anticipated in Q3 2025. SANTA ANA, Calif., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (OTC: NKGN) ('NKGen' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer ('NK') cell therapeutics, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Expanded Access Program (EAP) authorization for its IND for an open-label, non-randomized, multi-center intermediate size expanded access protocol for use of troculeucel for neurodegenerative diseases. This includes its use for the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases, many of which currently have no effective therapy. While NKGen's ongoing double-blind randomized Phase 2a trial is focused on moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease (NCT06189963), this EAP IND marks the company's exploration into the treatment of other less common neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to earlier stage Alzheimer's Disease (AD), this IND includes the treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Corticobasal degeneration (CBD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). This IND approval will allow NKGen to expand and explore the use of troculeucel in up to 20 patients. 'There is a common element of autoimmune neuroinflammation in all of these neurodegenerative diseases due to autoreactive T cells, many in response to either an amyloid, alpha-synuclein, or tau protein deposition,' said Paul Y. Song, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NKGen Biotech. 'As we have demonstrated in two Phase I trials in Alzheimer's Disease, troculeucel, given via a simple IV, appears to cross the blood brain barrier to reduce neuroinflammatory and protein biomarkers in CSF. We believe there is ample scientific and clinical rationale to offer this to patients with other neurodegenerative diseases for which there is no effective therapy and little hope. We will begin enrolling patients as soon as possible, but the speed of enrollment will depend on funding.' About NKGen Biotech NKGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics. NKGen is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, USA. For more information, please visit About Troculeucel Troculeucel is a novel cell-based, patient specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate. NKGen is developing troculeucel for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and a broad range of cancers. Troculeucel is the International Nonproprietary Name ('INN') for SNK01 assigned by the World Health Organization ('WHO'). The WHO INN approval of troculeucel establishes a universally recognized nonproprietary drug name for SNK01 and marks a significant step on NKGen's journey toward bringing this therapy to market. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as 'anticipate', 'believe', 'could', 'continue', 'expect', 'estimate', 'may', 'plan', 'outlook', 'future' and 'project' and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company's control, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans and expected timing for developing troculeucel and SNK02, including the expected timing of completing and announcing further results from its ongoing clinical studies; and the Company's expected timing for developing its product candidates and potential benefits of its product candidates. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: the Company's ability to execute its plans and strategies; risks related to performing clinical studies; the risk that initial and interim results of a clinical study do not necessarily predict final results and that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical studies and the reporting of data therefrom; the risk that studies will not be completed as planned; the risk that the abstract will not be published as planned including delays in timing, format, or accessibility; and NKGen's ability to raise additional funding to complete the development of its product candidates. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the caption 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in the Company's filings and reports, which may be accessed for free by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at and on the Company's website under the subheading 'Investors—Financial and Filings'. Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. Internal Contact: Denise Chua, MBA, CLS, MLS (ASCP)SVP, Corporate Affairs949-396-6830dchua@ External Contact: Kevin GardnerManaging DirectorLifeSci Advisors, LLCkgardner@
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NKGen Biotech and HekaBio Enter Strategic Partnership to Bring Novel NK Cell Therapy to Japan
In connection with HekaBio's recently announced strategic investment in NKGen, the partnership will expedite the regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial development of NKGen's autologous NK cell therapy, troculeucel, in Japan. Under Japan's Regenerative Medicine guidelines, cell therapies enjoy a regulatory environment with multiple paths for expedited commercialization. Troculeucel is well positioned to be the first-in-class forerunner for the treatment of several intractable neurodegenerative diseases. SANTA ANA, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (OTC: NKGN) ('NKGen' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer ('NK') cell therapeutics, and HekaBio K.K., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo ('HekaBio'), announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the regulatory, manufacturing and commercial development of NKGen's autologous NK cell therapy, troculeucel, in Japan following HekaBio's recently announced investment in common equity of NKGen. HekaBio will lead all clinical trials in Japan and oversee all regulatory activities with Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency for pre-market approval of troculeucel in several neurodegenerative disease indications, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases. As troculeucel is an autologous, non-genetically modified cell therapy, there is allowance under regenerative medicine regulations in Japan to offer this therapy to patients on an accelerated path, much faster than in other major markets. HekaBio will fully leverage the regulation and its domestic strategic partner network, aiming for first dosing in Japanese patients over the next 12 months. Beyond intractable disease, troculeucel has the potential to also support Japan's aging population in the longevity/wellness space. 'Japan has always had an advanced progressive health care system where great attention has been placed on the use of novel autologous cell therapies for prevention, longevity, and wellness as well as for the treatment of more chronic illnesses,' said Paul Y. Song, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ('CEO') of NKGen. 'I am convinced that HekaBio's clinical, regulatory, and commercial expertise will guide us to satisfy all regulatory requirements, find the best local manufacturing partner to make our therapy readily available, and ultimately develop the best commercial strategy for Japan. We are very excited to partner with HekaBio.' 'Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's Disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases together present significant health and social challenges in Japan due to the country's aging population. We are very excited about our partnership with NKGen and look forward to advancing troculeucel for the benefit of patients and society,' said Rob Claar, CEO of HekaBio. About NKGen Biotech NKGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics. NKGen is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, USA. For more information, please visit About Troculeucel Troculeucel is a novel cell-based, patient specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate. NKGen is developing troculeucel for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and a broad range of cancers. Troculeucel is the International Nonproprietary Name ('INN') for SNK01 assigned by the World Health Organization ('WHO'). The WHO INN approval of troculeucel establishes a universally recognized nonproprietary drug name for SNK01 and marks a significant step on NKGen's journey toward bringing this therapy to market. About HekaBio HekaBio is a Japan-based healthcare platform that accelerates patient access to global medicines and MedTech across Asia-Pacific. HekaBio reviews over 200 assets annually to in-license a select few, focusing on early-stage yet de-risked opportunities in CNS, oncology and healthy longevity. HekaBio synchronizes U.S. and Japan development timelines and leverages strategic partnerships to optimize commercial success. Japan, the world's third-largest healthcare market, serves as its launchpad for regional expansion. To learn more about HekaBio's mission and portfolio, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as 'anticipate', 'believe', 'could', 'continue', 'expect', 'estimate', 'may', 'plan', 'outlook', 'future' and 'project' and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company's control, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans and expected timing for developing troculeucel and SNK02, including the expected timing of completing and announcing further results from its ongoing clinical studies; and the Company's expected timing for developing its product candidates and potential benefits of its product candidates. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: the Company's ability to execute its plans and strategies; risks related to performing clinical studies; the risk that initial and interim results of a clinical study do not necessarily predict final results and that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical studies and the reporting of data therefrom; the risk that studies will not be completed as planned; the risk that the abstract will not be published as planned including delays in timing, format, or accessibility; and NKGen's ability to raise additional funding to complete the development of its product candidates. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the caption 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in the Company's filings and reports, which may be accessed for free by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at and on the Company's website under the subheading 'Investors—Financial and Filings'. Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. Internal Contact: Denise Chua, MBA, CLS, MLS (ASCP)SVP, Corporate Affairs949-396-6830dchua@ External Contact: Kevin GardnerManaging DirectorLifeSci Advisors, LLCkgardner@
National Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Parse-Enabled Study Maps Neuronal Pathways with Potential Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Article content SEATTLE — Parse Biosciences, the leading provider of accessible and scalable single cell sequencing solutions, today announced a groundbreaking study published in the journal Science that utilized Parse's single cell technology to uncover how signaling pathways drive the formation of diverse neuron cell subtypes. By linking specific signals to cell fate outcomes, this research provides a powerful framework for generating defined cell types in vitro, which has broad relevance to human biology, disease, and therapeutic development. Article content Principle investigators Dr. Barbara Treutlein, Head of the Quantitative Development Biology Lab at ETH Zurich, and Dr. Gray Camp, Group Leader at the Institute of Human Biology at Roche, led the experiment. Article content Through an elegantly designed screening approach spanning 480 morphogens across 700,000 cells, the research team was able to explore how different morphogens interact with pro-neural transcription factors, thereby generating pure populations of different types of neurons from pluripotent stem cells. This work will guide and enable the neuroscience research community to direct and develop pure neuronal cell populations which will help expand our understanding of cell types and cell interactions implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. 'We were genuinely surprised by the diversity of neurons that we generated, and the data allowed us to develop algorithms to learn how this diversity can arise,' states Treutlein. 'Parse Biosciences' technology delivered the flexibility, scale, and quality to help us explore these complex cellular processes at a deeper level.' Article content 'The beauty of this work is that the underlying strategy, methods, and analyses can be adapted to program and explore any cell type and state, across organ systems and species,' states Camp. 'We are excited about what Parse's technology has enabled for this study.' Article content 'We are thrilled to support this highly impactful study from Dr. Treutlein's and Dr. Camp's Labs and are eager to see how their findings inform the wider research community,' states Dr. Charlie Roco, Chief Technology Officer of Parse Biosciences. Article content About Parse Biosciences Article content Parse Biosciences is a global life sciences company whose mission is to accelerate progress in human health and scientific research. Empowering researchers to perform single cell sequencing with unprecedented scale and ease, its pioneering approach has enabled groundbreaking discoveries in cancer treatment, tissue repair, stem cell therapy, kidney and liver disease, brain development, and the immune system. Article content With technology developed at the University of Washington by co-founders Alex Rosenberg and Charles Roco, Parse has raised over $100 million in capital and is used by 3,000 customers across the world. Its growing portfolio of products includes Evercode™ Whole Transcriptome, Evercode™ TCR, Evercode™ BCR, Gene Select, and a solution for data analysis, Trailmaker™. Article content Article content Article content Article content
