Nektar Collaborates with UCSF, Leveraging TNFR2 Agonism for MS Research

Event summary

  • Nektar Therapeutics has initiated a research collaboration with UCSF and Dr. Stephen Hauser to investigate NKTR-0165, a TNFR2 agonist antibody, for potential treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The collaboration will focus on exploring neuroprotection and cell repair mechanisms in MS models, utilizing patient-derived B cells.
  • UCSF will fund and conduct the research, while Nektar will supply NKTR-0165 and retain all rights to the program.
  • Dr. Hauser, a renowned neuroimmunologist and recipient of the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, will lead the UCSF research team.
  • NKTR-0165 is currently in IND-enabling studies and is being developed for autoimmune and CNS disorders, including MS, vitiligo, and ulcerative colitis.

The big picture

Nektar's collaboration with UCSF represents a strategic move to leverage the expertise of a leading neuroimmunologist and academic institution in the development of novel MS therapies. The focus on TNFR2 agonism addresses a critical unmet need in MS treatment, targeting inflammation and neurodegeneration. This partnership underscores the increasing trend of biopharma companies collaborating with academic institutions to accelerate drug discovery and validation in complex neurological disorders.

What we're watching

Clinical Efficacy
The success of this collaboration hinges on demonstrating meaningful neuroprotective effects of NKTR-0165 in preclinical models, which will be crucial for advancing the program to clinical trials.
Regulatory Pathway
Given the complexity of MS and the existing treatment landscape, Nektar will need to carefully navigate regulatory pathways and demonstrate a clear clinical advantage for NKTR-0165 to achieve approval.
Pipeline Synergy
The learnings from NKTR-0165 development will inform the advancement of Nektar’s TNFR2 bispecific programs, particularly NKTR-0166, and the overall success of this strategy will depend on efficient translation of these insights.

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