Nkarta Reports NKX019 Cell Therapy Safety Data in 40 Autoimmune Patients at ACR Convergence 2026

Nkarta presented initial safety and clinical data for NKX019, its investigational allogeneic CAR natural killer cell therapy, at the American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2026 meeting in Orlando. The data, drawn from 40 patients treated across five autoimmune disease indications and multiple dose levels, showed infusion-related reactions in five patients, or 12.5% of those treated, with the data cutoff set at September 18, 2026.

Early clinical responses were also reported in patients with myositis and systemic sclerosis. Among systemic sclerosis patients receiving the 4 billion-cell dose, a median 15-point reduction in the modified Rodnan skin score, a measure of skin thickness, was observed at Day 90. Nkarta cautioned that results are based on small patient populations and limited follow-up, restricting conclusions about long-term efficacy and safety.

The presentations were part of Nkarta's Ntrust trial programme, which evaluates NKX019 across two trials assessing safety and its potential to achieve durable remission by eliminating pathogenic B cells. The company had previously secured FDA agreement on outpatient dosing and has been expanding treatment through a network of community-based sites.