SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (OTC: NKGN) (“NKGen” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer (“NK”) cell therapeutics, today announced that Paul Y. Song, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NKGen, will present at the XXVII World Congress of Neurology (“WCN 2025”) taking place in Seoul, South Korea, October 12-15, 2025. WCN 2025 is a prem ...

SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (OTC: NKGN) (“NKGen” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer (“NK”) cell therapeutics, today announced that Paul Y. Song, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NKGen, will present at the 3rd China Great Bay Cell and Gene Therapy Forum, taking place in Guangzhou, China, September 25-26, 2025. Dr. Song will d ...

Core Insights - NKGen Biotech, Inc. is set to present its findings on the mechanism of action for troculeucel, a non-genetically modified NK cell therapy for Alzheimer's disease, at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2025 [1][2] - The presentation will include Phase I biomarker data that confirms the therapy's enhanced cytotoxicity in Alzheimer's patients [2][3] - Troculeucel is recognized as SNK01 by the World Health Organization, marking a significant milestone in its development for treating neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers [4] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Santa Ana, California, focusing on innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics [5] - The company aims to commercialize its therapies, with troculeucel being a key candidate in its pipeline [4][5]

SANTA ANA, Calif., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (OTC: NKGN) ("NKGen" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer ("NK") cell therapeutics, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Expanded Access Program (EAP) authorization for its IND for an open-label, non-randomized, multi-center intermediate size expanded access protocol for us ...

Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech has formed a strategic partnership with HekaBio to accelerate the development of its autologous NK cell therapy, troculeucel, in Japan, targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's [1][2][3] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics, headquartered in Santa Ana, California [6] - HekaBio is a Japan-based healthcare platform that accelerates patient access to global medicines and MedTech, focusing on early-stage opportunities in CNS, oncology, and healthy longevity [8][9] Product Development - Troculeucel is an autologous, non-genetically modified cell therapy positioned to be a first-in-class treatment for several intractable neurodegenerative diseases [1][4] - The therapy is expected to be offered to patients in Japan on an accelerated path due to favorable regenerative medicine regulations, with first dosing aimed within the next 12 months [4][5] Regulatory and Clinical Strategy - HekaBio will lead all clinical trials in Japan and manage regulatory activities with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency for pre-market approval of troculeucel [3][4] - The partnership aims to leverage HekaBio's expertise to meet regulatory requirements and establish local manufacturing partnerships for effective commercialization [5]

Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech, Inc. has successfully raised $2 million from a Japanese strategic investor to support the development of its NK cell therapy, troculeucel, and to regain compliance with financial reporting obligations [2][3][4] Funding and Financial Compliance - The new funding consists of common stock priced at $0.25 per share and warrants, aimed at addressing the company's reporting obligations and listing standards [3] - The company plans to temporarily move its share trading to the OTC Expert Market, with the potential to uplist to OTCQB once SEC filings are current, and aims to return to Nasdaq or NYSE American thereafter [4] Strategic Developments - The investment comes at a critical time following the bankruptcy of NKGen's former parent company, NKMax Co., Ltd., which had disrupted capital raising efforts [4] - The company has secured a majority stake in NKMax out of bankruptcy, which is expected to close soon, allowing consolidation of key intellectual property rights across Asia [4] Product Development - Troculeucel is being developed for neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers, with its International Nonproprietary Name (INN) approved by the WHO, marking a significant milestone for NKGen [6] Future Plans - The company is committed to regaining compliance with financial filings and aims to uplist to Nasdaq or NYSE American as soon as it meets the necessary requirements [4]

Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech has initiated the administration of troculeucel, an autologous NK cell therapy, to a patient with mild-stage Alzheimer's disease under a compassionate use IND authorization from the FDA, marking a significant step in expanding treatment options for patients who do not respond to existing therapies [1][2]. 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 [4]. - Troculeucel, the company's novel cell-based immunotherapeutic drug candidate, is being developed for neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers, with its International Nonproprietary Name (INN) approved by the WHO [5]. Clinical Development - The ongoing double-blind randomized Phase 2a trial by NKGen is primarily focused on moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease, while the recent IND authorization allows exploration in mild-stage Alzheimer's, particularly for patients unresponsive to first-line therapies [2]. - Clinical experience with troculeucel indicates it is well-tolerated and capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, improving levels of amyloid, α-synuclein, and tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid, and reducing neuroinflammation [3]. Industry Context - Currently, there are two FDA-approved amyloid-targeting therapies for Alzheimer's patients with mild cognitive impairment, which slow cognitive decline but do not halt disease progression or improve cognitive function [3]. - The exploration of troculeucel in patients progressing on standard therapies could provide insights into disease mechanisms and support combination treatment strategies [3].

Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech is advancing its Phase 1/2a clinical trial for troculeucel, a novel NK cell therapy for moderate Alzheimer's disease, by activating two additional clinical trial sites in Canada and the U.S. to enhance patient recruitment and diversity [1][2][4]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Updates - NKGen has activated two new clinical trial sites: Ottawa Memory Clinic in Canada and AdventHealth Orlando in Florida, USA, which are now open for patient enrollment [1][2]. - The activation of these sites is crucial for initiating patient recruitment and ensuring the trial progresses as planned [1]. - The Ottawa Memory Clinic is recognized for its expertise in Alzheimer's research and will play a significant role in the trial for Canadian patients [2][3]. Group 2: Leadership and Expertise - Dr. Richard Bergeron, a prominent neuroscientist with extensive experience in neurodegenerative disease research, will lead the Ottawa Memory Clinic site [3][6]. - Dr. Bergeron has overseen over 60 clinical trials and is known for his work in both disease-modifying and symptomatic treatments for Alzheimer's disease [3][6]. - NKGen's CEO, Dr. Paul Y. Song, emphasized the importance of Dr. Bergeron's expertise in expanding patient access to troculeucel and achieving enrollment goals [4]. Group 3: Product Information - Troculeucel is an innovative, patient-specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate being developed for neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers [5]. - The World Health Organization has assigned the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) "troculeucel" to SNK01, marking a significant milestone in NKGen's development journey [5]. Group 4: Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Santa Ana, California, focused on developing and commercializing NK cell therapeutics [8][9].

Core Insights - NKGen Biotech, Inc. has received a significant investment of $2.65 million from its Chairman & CEO, Dr. Paul Y. Song, to support its Phase 2 clinical trial for Alzheimer's Disease and to address financial obligations [2][3] - The company has also secured approximately $3 million in funding advances from AlpineBrook Capital, which is intended to bolster its core operations and financial reporting requirements [4][5] Funding Details - Dr. Song's investment was made in the form of common stock and warrants, reflecting his confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects [3] - The total funding from AlpineBrook includes $3 million in advances and previous commitments of $5.5 million from convertible notes, along with an additional $4 million [1][4] Company Strategy - The new capital is crucial for NKGen to ramp up its Phase 2 trial and meet public company compliance requirements, which are essential for its long-term success [3][4] - Dr. Song emphasized the alignment of interests between the management team and investors, showcasing a strong commitment to the company's vision and potential [4]

Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech, Inc. is set to present Phase 1 clinical data for its NK cell therapy, troculeucel, targeting moderate Alzheimer's disease at the ASGCT Annual Meeting in May 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Presentation Details - The presentation titled "Use of Expanded Non-genetically Modified Natural Killer Cells (Troculeucel) with Enhanced Cytotoxicity in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease" will be delivered by Dr. Paul Y. Song [2] - The session is scheduled for May 14, 2025, from 2:30 to 2:45 PM Central Time at NOLA Theater B [2] - Previous data on troculeucel's efficacy in Alzheimer's and solid tumors is available on the company's website [2] Group 2: About Troculeucel - Troculeucel is an innovative, patient-specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate [3] - It is being developed for neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers, with the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for troculeucel being SNK01, approved by the WHO [3] Group 3: About NKGen Biotech - NKGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics [4] - The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California [4]