Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech has initiated the administration of troculeucel, an autologous NK cell therapy, to a stroke patient under a compassionate use IND approved by the FDA, marking a significant step in exploring its therapeutic potential in post-stroke treatment [1][3]. Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics, headquartered in Santa Ana, California [7]. Product Development - Troculeucel is a novel, patient-specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate, being developed for neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers. The WHO has assigned the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) "troculeucel" for SNK01, which is a significant milestone for the company [6]. Clinical Collaboration - NKGen is collaborating with Dr. Dimitri Sigounas and Dr. Amarendra K. Neppalli from George Washington University Medical Center to explore the potential of troculeucel in reducing chronic neuroinflammation and damage in stroke patients [3][5]. Clinical Assessment - The stroke patient receiving troculeucel will undergo regular independent assessments by Dr. Sigounas at GWU Medical Center to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness [4]. Research Insights - Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are identified as markers of brain injury, and previous trials have shown that troculeucel can cross the blood-brain barrier to reduce cerebrospinal fluid levels of these markers, indicating its potential to improve outcomes in stroke patients [5].
NKGen Biotech Announces Administration of First Dose of Troculeucel to Stroke Patient Under FDA-Cleared Compassionate Use Program