Singapore: US-based Nektar Therapeutics has revealed positive preclinical data for NKTR-214, a novel cancer immunotherapy which targets the IL-2 receptor complex.

NKTR-214 is a new immunocytokine that is being developed as a potential treatment for multiple cancers. NKTR-214 targets the IL-2 receptor complex through selective receptor binding to the IL2Rβ subtype. Activation of the IL2Rβ subtype promotes tumor killing by the body's own immune system.

"We are extremely encouraged by the dramatic efficacy observed with NKTR-214 treatment in an aggressive and resistant preclinical model of melanoma," said Dr Stephen Doberstein, senior VP and CSO, Nektar Therapeutics.

He added, "NKTR-214 is specifically designed to harness the potent immunostimulatory effects of the IL-2 receptor complex while minimizing the immunosuppressive effects that have greatly limited the efficacy of the native IL-2 protein."

NKTR-214 targets a receptor subtype in the tumor microenvironment while avoiding the unwanted effects from off-target receptor binding. NKTR-214 also has improved pharmacokinetics and enhanced tumor penetration which allow for a ten-fold reduction in overall dosing. The team is excited about the potential of NKTR-214 to emerge as a powerful new immunotherapy in the fight against cancer.