Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of March 31, 2025, the company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled approximately $144.8 million [22] - Revenues for Q1 2025 were zero, compared to approximately $4.9 million for Q1 2024, with the previous revenue being recognized from a $40 million distribution agreement [22][23] - Operating expenses for Q1 2025 were approximately $16.2 million for R&D, up from approximately $10.1 million in Q1 2024, and general and administrative expenses were approximately $3.1 million, compared to $1.8 million in Q1 2024 [24][25] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was approximately $24.4 million, compared to a net loss of approximately $9.8 million for Q1 2024 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on the BLA for daramycin, a therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cardiomyopathy, with ongoing preparations for an FDA advisory committee meeting [4][5] - The company has been providing daramycin to open label extension patients for over three years, with plans for over 100 patients to transition to commercial products following potential BLA approval [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is negotiating with Nippon Shinyaku for the distribution of daramycin in Europe, with an extended negotiation period through the end of Q2 [17] - The company is also exploring opportunities for its technology in other global markets [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transition from a translational medicine company to a commercial stage entity, actively working with NS Pharma on launch readiness in the U.S. [11] - The strategy includes enhancing medical leadership and preparing physicians for prescribing daramycin, which targets inflammation and fibrosis associated with DMD [14][39] - The company is also developing its Stealth Exosome Platform technology for next-generation drug delivery [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the FDA's review process and the strength of the data supporting daramycin's efficacy and safety [4][30] - The company has a cash balance of approximately $145 million, with a runway extending into 2027 without additional cash infusions [19] - If FDA approval is received, the company expects to receive an $80 million milestone payment and a priority review voucher, potentially totaling over $200 million in non-dilutive cash [20] Other Important Information - The company has appointed Dr. Michael Binks as the new Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in clinical development [12] - The San Diego GMP manufacturing facility is fully operational and producing doses of daramycin, with plans for expansion to meet potential demand [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the site inspection in San Diego occurred? - The site inspection is scheduled for this quarter, and preparations are underway [28] Question: What is the status of negotiations with Nippon Shinyaku? - The company is actively negotiating with Nippon Shinyaku and evaluating opportunities for launching in Europe independently [34][37] Question: What are the key drivers of proof for the efficacy of daramycin? - The statistical significance of cardiac MRI data is a key driver, indicating that the treatment effects are unlikely due to chance [44][59] Question: What is the plan if the FDA issues a CRL for efficacy? - The company would submit data from the HOPE-three trial for skeletal muscle dysfunction if a CRL is issued [53][54] Question: What is the company's plan for the priority review voucher? - The current plan is to sell the priority review voucher to strengthen the balance sheet [69]

Core Viewpoint - Nkarta, Inc. is focused on advancing its engineered natural killer (NK) cell therapy, NKX019, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, while implementing a restructuring plan to enhance financial stability and extend its cash runway [2][4][12]. Financial Performance - For the full year 2024, Nkarta reported a net loss of $108.8 million, or $1.60 per share, compared to a net loss of $117.5 million in 2023 [12][19]. - The company had cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaling $380.5 million as of December 31, 2024, which is expected to fund operations into 2029 [4][12][19]. - Research and development expenses for 2024 were $96.7 million, while general and administrative expenses were $31.5 million [12][19]. Clinical Development - Nkarta is conducting two clinical trials, Ntrust-1 and Ntrust-2, to evaluate NKX019 in various autoimmune diseases, with initial data expected in the second half of 2025 [4][8]. - The Ntrust-1 trial focuses on lupus nephritis, while Ntrust-2 targets systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, and ANCA-associated vasculitis [5][9]. - The dosing schedule for NKX019 has been harmonized across all trials, with patients receiving treatment on Days 0, 3, and 7 following lymphodepletion [10]. Restructuring Efforts - Nkarta has implemented a restructuring plan that includes a workforce reduction of 34% (53 positions) to prioritize investment in clinical execution and extend its cash runway [2][4][12]. - The restructuring is expected to result in cash payments of approximately $5.5 to $6.5 million [12]. Product Overview - NKX019 is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf CAR NK-cell therapy designed to target CD19-positive cells in autoimmune diseases, offering potential advantages such as rapid B-cell killing and reduced toxicity [2][7][14]. - The therapy is engineered for enhanced targeting and persistence, aiming to provide broad access in outpatient settings [14].