Nektar initiates dosing in Phase I cancer trial

The Phase I study will assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity of NKTR-105 in approximately 30 patients with refractory solid tumors who have failed all prior available therapies.

NKTR-105 is a novel form of docetaxel that was developed using Nektar’s advanced polymer conjugate technology. Docetaxel is a versatile chemotherapy agent currently approved by the FDA for use in five different cancer indications: breast, non-small cell lung, prostate, gastric and head and neck.

Randall Moreadith, chief development officer of Nektar, said: The start of the clinical study for NKTR-105 marks another milestone in the advancement of Nektar’s pipeline of innovative therapeutics using our advanced polymer conjugate technology. NKTR-105 demonstrates a prolonged half-life and tumor exposure as compared to docetaxel. We are excited about the drug’s potential to significantly expand therapeutic options for oncologists and patients.

Nektar Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics based on its PEGylation and advanced polymer conjugation technology platforms. Nektar’s technology and drug development produced nine approved products for partners, which include leading biopharmaceutical companies. Nektar is also developing a pipeline of high-value therapeutics that addresses unmet medical needs by leveraging and expanding its technology platforms to improve and enable molecules.