Nkarta lays off 3rd of staff, including CFO, to fund autoimmune CAR NK program
Nkarta is implementing significant layoffs and restructuring to focus on its autoimmune CAR NK cell therapy program:
Workforce Reduction
- Nkarta is laying off 34% of its workforce, corresponding to 53 employees1
- The restructuring impacts all levels of the organization, including reducing the executive leadership team by over 50%1
- Chief Financial Officer Alyssa Levin is slated to leave at the end of March 202510
Financial Impact
- Cash payments from the restructuring are estimated to be $5.5 to $6.5 million1
- The company expects to extend its cash runway by more than one year, funding operations into 20291
- As of December 31, 2024, Nkarta had a cash balance of $380.5 million1
Strategic Focus
- Nkarta is prioritizing investment in clinical execution of its autoimmune disease programs1
- The company is focusing on NKX019, an allogeneic CAR NK cell therapy candidate for autoimmune conditions12
- Initial data for NKX019 in multiple autoimmune indications is expected in the second half of 20251
Ongoing Clinical Trials
- Ntrust-1 trial is evaluating NKX019 in lupus nephritis12
- Ntrust-2 trial is assessing NKX019 in systemic sclerosis, myositis, and ANCA-associated vasculitis12
- Two investigator-sponsored trials of NKX019 are also ongoing in rheumatic and neurological diseases1
This restructuring reflects Nkarta's strategic shift from oncology to focus on developing cell therapies for autoimmune diseases, aiming to position the company for potential clinical milestones in this new therapeutic area.
Sources:
1. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/26/3050104/0/en/Nkarta-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2024-Financial-Results-and-Corporate-Highlights.html
2. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/nkarta-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial-results-and-corporate-highlights