Overview
NKT Therapeutics, Inc. (the Company) is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics based on unique immune cells called natural killer T (NKT) cells. NKT cells are a rare but central component of the human immune system which plays a pivotal role in human health and disease. Upon exposure to microbial and viral pathogens NKT cells secrete high levels of specific cytokines which stimulate the innate arm of the immune system to eliminate these pathogens. During periods of repeated exposure to immune challenge, NKT cells play a regulatory role controlling the type and magnitude of the adaptive arm of the immune system to regulate antibody and cell mediated immunity. Until recently, NKT cells where generally considered bystander cells in the regulation of the human immune system. However, recent evidence has clearly established their importance in human health and disease. The mission of NKT Therapeutics is to use its expertise to develop a pipeline of first-in-class NKT based therapeutics to treat cancer,infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, asthma and dermatitis.

The Science
We are targeting a unique subset of T cells called NKT cells which offers the opportunity to develop selective immune modulators with the potential to treat cancer, infectious disease, autoimmune diseases (e.g, SLE, T1D, MS, IBD), asthma and dermatitis. Our lead program is a unique antibody which targets the invariant T cell receptor. Depending on the effector function of the antibody, we can either activate or deplete NKT cells. We are developing antibodies that can both activate and inactivate NKT cell function. Our lead indication for proof of concept is asthma. Secondary indications include cancer, autoimmune diseases, atopic dermatitis and vaccine adjuvants. We also have antibody and small molecule programs that target CD1d.

Financing History
NKT Therapeutics closed on a Series A round of financing in December 2008 led by SV Lifesciences and MedImmune Ventures.