Biotech Values

[ghmm]

NKTR-214 combinations

I would think most combinations would require a PD-1 backbone, so does NKTR retain the right to develop 214 with opdivo plus any other non-PD-1/non-CTLA-4 from a 3rd party? e.g. could they strike a deal w INCY for 214 plus epacadustat plus opdivo?

My read is no they could NOT (in the exclusivity period at least).

NKTR has published some papers of synergy with vaccines actually quite an impressive response with the preclinical caveat. They also will do a 214+262 (their own TLR agonist). They have a collaboration with Takedia for combo with other mechanisms (don't think they've disclosed which but said some are approved agents). On the call Howard Robin mentioned doing something with CAR-T but it wasn't clear if that is just hype or something that may be in the nearer term.

One thing that is of subtle importance (to NKTR) in the deal is the PROPEL study
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03138889
continues without limitation. So if for some reason one of the other PD-1/PD-L1 has better tolerability/efficacy NKTR won't be negatively impacted if NKTR-214 sales with that agent gain more share.