NKGen Biotech has partnered with the Parkinson’s Foundation to bring its novel therapy to patients with an advanced stage of the disease.
NKGen, a biotechnology company harnessing the power of the body’s immune system through the development of natural killer (NK) cell therapies, has announced a new collaboration with the Parkinson’s Foundation.
The collaboration will focus on ways to help accelerate NKGen’s clinical programme using its novel NK cell therapy (SNK01) for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) through its network of clinical partners and donors.
Parkinson disease (PD) is a degenerative condition of the brain which causes motor symptoms and other complications including cognitive impairment, mental health and sleep disorders, pain and sensory disturbances.
According to the World Health Organisation the prevalence of the condition has doubled in the past 25 years, with estimates in 2019 showing over 8.5 million individuals globally had a diagnosis of PD.
SNK01 is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced refractory tumours, both as a standalone therapy and in combination with other agents.
Paul Y. Song, MD, vice chairman of NKGen Biotech, said: “Recent research has shown that NK cells can help remove alpha-synuclein proteins, reduce autoreactive T cell generated inflammation, and remove damaged neurons.
“We believe our non-genetically modified, enhanced, and expanded NK cells (SNK01) can provide an entirely new therapeutic approach to Parkinson’s disease which currently lacks effective disease modifying modalities.
“We are very impressed with the Parkinson’s Foundation’s holistic approach towards improving patient care and supporting cutting-edge research. We are confident that they will be a great partner for us as we bring our treatment for Parkinson’s disease to the clinic in 2023.”
The Parkinson’s Foundation aims to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. Since 1957 it has invested more than $400 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care.
John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, said: “The Parkinson’s Foundation has a strong commitment to identify and accelerate promising scientific breakthroughs in the treatment of PD. We are looking to support novel innovative approaches in PD, and we are attracted to NKGen’s unwavering commitment to bring their NK cell therapy to the clinic very quickly.”
