Friday, July 10, 2026

pharma · Melanoma · Tumor · NKTR

Nektar Therapeutics UK

Nektar Therapeutics is a pharma organization headquartered in San Francisco, USA. It trades on NYSE under ticker NKTR. Primary therapeutic focus areas include Melanoma, Tumor, Renal Cell Carcinoma, Alopecia Areata, Pneum

455 Mission Bay Boulevard South, San Francisco, California 94158, US HQ
1990 Founded
610 Employees
Public company Type
NKTR · NYSE Ticker
Company details
Status
Public
HQ
455 Mission Bay Boulevard South, San Francisco, California 94158, US
Founded
1990
Employees
610
Programs
57
Drugs
31
Patents
423
Clinical program

NKTR-102 100 mg/m2

Phase 2 · small molecule · Tumor

NKTR-102 100 mg/m² is a small-molecule oncology therapeutic developed by Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited, currently in Phase 2 development for tumor indications. The program, identified by internal code 07-PIR-02, has completed its Phase 2 trial as of July 2021. The mechanism of action and specific molecular target rema

← All Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited projects Phase 2 small molecule completed

Internal code 07-PIR-02

At a glance

Sponsor
Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited
Phase
Phase 2
Modality
small_molecule
Indication
Tumor
Status
completed
Trials
1

Executive summary

NKTR-102 100 mg/m² is a small-molecule oncology therapeutic developed by Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited, currently in Phase 2 development for tumor indications. The program, identified by internal code 07-PIR-02, has completed its Phase 2 trial as of July 2021. The mechanism of action and specific molecular target remain undisclosed in available intelligence. Nektar's development strategy appears focused on advancing this candidate through clinical evaluation, with the most recent milestone recorded in July 2021. The program is registered under clinical trial identifier NCT00598975. No partnership arrangements or licensing agreements have been disclosed for this asset. Regulatory approval status and projected commercial milestones have not yet been disclosed. The competitive landscape for tumor therapeutics includes multiple approved small-molecule agents across various mechanisms, suggesting a crowded market segment requiring differentiated clinical benefit for successful commercialization.

Analyst view

Why this program matters

Oncology remains a high-priority therapeutic area with substantial unmet medical need across multiple tumor types. The competitive landscape for NKTR-102 includes numerous approved small-molecule therapies from major pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Hoffmann-La Roche, as well as Phase 3 candidates from Hoffmann-La Roche and other sponsors. This density of competition underscores the importance of clinical differentiation—whether through improved efficacy, safety profile, or patient convenience—for market success. The Phase 2 completion milestone in 2021 represents a critical inflection point in the program's development trajectory. Market relevance depends on the specific tumor indication(s) being targeted, the patient population size, and the clinical benefit demonstrated relative to existing standards of care. Commercial significance will be determined by regulatory approval pathway, label scope, and competitive positioning within the oncology market. The lack of disclosed partnership arrangements suggests Nektar is pursuing independent development, which may indicate either confidence in the asset's potential or challenges in securing external validation or co-development interest.

Drug intelligence

NKTR-102 100 mg/m² is classified as a small-molecule oncology therapeutic. The specific mechanism of action, molecular target, and route of administration have not yet been disclosed. The dosing specification of 100 mg/m² suggests intravenous or systemic administration, consistent with standard oncology dosing conventions. Related approved therapies in the competitive set include irinotecan liposomes (combined with platinum agents), topoisomerase inhibitors, targeted kinase inhibitors (Braftovi, Zelboraf, Encorafenib), immunotherapies (Durvalumab, Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab), and multikinase inhibitors (Selpercatinib, Gavreto). Patent status and first approval date, if applicable, have not been disclosed.

  • Modality: Small-molecule
  • Dosing: 100 mg/m² (systemic dosing convention)
  • Development Status: Phase 2 completed (as of July 2021)
  • Indication: Tumor (specific type not yet disclosed)
  • Sponsor: Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited
  • Target: Not yet disclosed
  • Mechanism of Action: Not yet disclosed
Disease intelligence

neoplasm

Also known as: cell process disease, disease of cellular proliferation, neoplasia, neoplasm (disease), neoplastic disease, neoplastic growth

Overview

A benign or malignant tissue growth resulting from uncontrolled cell proliferation. Benign neoplastic cells resemble normal cells without exhibiting significant cytologic atypia, while malignant cells exhibit overt signs such as dysplastic features, atypical mitotic figures, necrosis, nuclear pleomorphism, and anaplasia. Representative examples of benign neoplasms include papillomas, cystadenomas, and lipomas; malignant neoplasms include carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias.

Treatment landscape

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 97 registered studies for Growth (AACT aggregate).

Phase breakdown: NA (81), PHASE3 (6), PHASE4 (4), PHASE2/PHASE3 (3), PHASE2 (2), PHASE1 (1)

Common investigational therapies:

  • OPV
  • OPV plus BCG
  • early insertion
  • conventional insertion
  • Micronutrient (Zinc and Iron) fortification
  • Pre and Probiotic fortification
  • Standardized-parenteral nutrition (S-PN)
  • Personalized-parenteral nutrition (P-PN)
  • Somatropin
  • Melatonin 3 mg
Classification: MONDO MONDO:0005070 ICD-10 C00-D49ICD-10 C7A-C7AICD-10 C7B-C7BMeSH D009369

Disease data sourced from MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0005070), NCT00001150, NCT00001336, NCT00001341, NCT00001444, NCT00001500, AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate), ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00189449, NCT00255385, NCT00282113, NCT00285090, NCT00349323, Open Targets Platform (CC BY 4.0).

Clinical development timeline

  1. Phase 22021-07-12

    Phase 2 completion

    NKTR-102 100 mg/m² Phase 2 trial completed as of July 12, 2021.

Competitive landscape

NKTR-102 operates within a highly competitive oncology small-molecule landscape. Approved competitors include Pfizer's portfolio (Braftovi, Zelboraf, Encorafenib, Ribociclib, Mektovi), AstraZeneca's Durvalumab, Eli Lilly's Selpercatinib, and Hoffmann-La Roche's Alecensa and gemcitabine-based regimens. Irinotecan liposomes combined with platinum agents represent a directly comparable chemotherapy approach. Multiple Phase 3 programs from Hoffmann-La Roche and other sponsors are advancing, indicating continued pipeline activity in the tumor space. The competitive set spans multiple mechanisms including targeted kinase inhibition, immunotherapy, and traditional chemotherapy, suggesting that NKTR-102's differentiation will depend on its specific mechanism, efficacy profile, tolerability, and indication scope. The absence of disclosed partnership arrangements contrasts with industry trends toward co-development and risk-sharing arrangements, potentially indicating either niche positioning or development challenges.

TherapyCompanyMechanismStatus
SomaKit TOC 40 micrograms kit for radiopharmaceutical preparationNingbo Cancer Hospitalsmall_moleculeapproved
INDOCYANINE GREENThe George Institutesmall_moleculeapproved
Dotarem®Guerbetsmall_moleculeapproved
Chlorhexidine gluconateHospital Authority, Hong Kongsmall_moleculeapproved
Irinotecan liposomes combined with cisplatin/carboplatinThe First People's Hospital of Lianyungangsmall_moleculeapproved
Braftovi 50 mg hard capsules, Zelboraf 240 mg film-coated tablets, Encorafenib, Erbitux 5 mg/mL solution for infusion, PEMBROLIZUMAB, Braftovi 75 mg hard capsules, Braftovi 75 mg hard capsules, Braftovi 50 mg hard capsules, Ribociclib, Ribociclib, NIVOLUMAB, Mektovi 15 mg film-coated tablets, Mektovi 15 mg film-coated tablets, RibociclibPfizer Australia Pty Ltdsmall_moleculeapproved
GAVRETO ®(pralsetinib) capsulesRIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS INCsmall_moleculeapproved
DurvalumabAstraZenecasmall_moleculeapproved
Dexamethasone 4 mg tablets, Dexamethasone Phosphate 4 mg/ml Solution for InjectionDisc Medicinesmall_moleculeapproved
SELPERCATINIB, SELPERCATINIBEli Lilly Co.small_moleculeapproved
MTXXiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciencessmall_moleculephase_3
Alecensa 150 mg hard capsules, VINORELBINE, Gemcitabin-GRY 1000 mg Pulver zur Herstellung einer Infusionslösung, Carboplatin-GRY® 10 mg/ml Konzentrat zur Herstellung einer Infusionslösung, Carboplatin ACTAVIS 10 mg/ml concentrat pentru soluţie perfuzabilă, ALIMTA 500 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion, Cisplatin NeoCorp 1 mg/ml - Konzentrat zur Herstellung einer Infusionslösung, Alecensa 150 mg hard capsulesHoffmann-La Rochesmall_moleculephase_3
ZOLEDRONIC ACIDFarnesyl diphosphate synthase inhibitorApproved
ZANUBRUTINIBTyrosine-protein kinase BTK inhibitorApproved
VORINOSTATHistone deacetylase 3 inhibitorApproved
VISMODEGIBSmoothened homolog inhibitorApproved
VINORELBINETubulin inhibitorApproved
VINCRISTINETubulin inhibitorApproved
VINBLASTINE SULFATETubulin inhibitorApproved
VINBLASTINETubulin inhibitorApproved

Additional associated therapies sourced from Open Targets Platform (CC0), linked to NovaPharmaNews drug profiles where matched.

Regulatory intelligence

Regulatory approval status for NKTR-102 100 mg/m² has not yet been disclosed. No FDA, EMA, PMDA (Japan), or NMPA (China) approvals or filings are documented in available intelligence. The program completed Phase 2 evaluation as of July 2021; subsequent regulatory pathway, including potential Phase 3 initiation, filing strategy, or breakthrough designation status, remains undisclosed. Regulatory interactions, advisory committee feedback, or guidance from any regulatory authority have not been reported.

Clinical evidence summary

NCT00598975

Objective
Not yet disclosed
Design
Not yet disclosed
Participants
Not yet disclosed
Primary endpoint
Not yet disclosed
Results
Results not yet reported

Key questions answered

What is NKTR-102 100 mg/m² used for?

NKTR-102 100 mg/m² is a small-molecule oncology therapeutic in Phase 2 development for tumor indications. The specific tumor type(s) being targeted have not yet been disclosed.

Who manufactures NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is developed and sponsored by Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited. No manufacturing partnerships or licensing arrangements have been disclosed.

Is NKTR-102 approved by the FDA?

No, NKTR-102 has not received FDA approval. The program completed Phase 2 trials as of July 2021; regulatory approval status remains undisclosed.

What is the mechanism of action of NKTR-102?

The specific mechanism of action for NKTR-102 has not yet been disclosed in available intelligence.

What is the molecular target of NKTR-102?

The molecular target of NKTR-102 has not yet been disclosed.

How is NKTR-102 administered?

The route of administration has not been explicitly disclosed, though the 100 mg/m² dosing convention suggests systemic administration, likely intravenous.

What clinical trial supports NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is registered under clinical trial identifier NCT00598975. Trial design, participant population, and results have not yet been disclosed.

What is the current development phase of NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is in Phase 2 development. The Phase 2 trial was completed as of July 12, 2021.

Does NKTR-102 have any partnerships?

No partnerships or licensing arrangements have been disclosed for NKTR-102. Nektar Therapeutics appears to be pursuing independent development.

What are the main competitors to NKTR-102?

Competitors include approved small-molecule oncology agents from Pfizer (Braftovi, Zelboraf, Ribociclib), AstraZeneca (Durvalumab), Eli Lilly (Selpercatinib), and Hoffmann-La Roche (Alecensa, gemcitabine-based regimens), as well as Phase 3 programs from multiple sponsors.

What is the internal code for NKTR-102?

The internal code for this program is 07-PIR-02.

When was NKTR-102 first disclosed?

The first disclosure date for NKTR-102 has not yet been disclosed in available intelligence.

What is the projected peak sales for NKTR-102?

Projected peak sales figures for NKTR-102 have not yet been disclosed.

Is NKTR-102 approved in Europe?

No EMA approval or filing status for NKTR-102 has been disclosed. Regulatory status in Europe remains undisclosed.

What is the dosage of NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is dosed at 100 mg/m², a standard systemic dosing convention used in oncology.

What is the indication for NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is in development for tumor indications; the specific tumor type(s) have not yet been disclosed.

Has NKTR-102 completed Phase 3 trials?

No Phase 3 completion has been disclosed. The program completed Phase 2 as of July 2021; Phase 3 initiation status remains undisclosed.

Entity relationship graph

NKTR-102 100 mg/m2 → Drug → Target → Indication → Company → Trials → Competitors

Evidence-based

Analyst insights

Development Status & Next Steps: The July 2021 Phase 2 completion represents a critical juncture. The absence of disclosed Phase 3 initiation or regulatory filing announcements as of the latest available intelligence suggests either ongoing data analysis, potential development challenges, or strategic reassessment. Market expectations will focus on efficacy and safety data readout, competitive positioning analysis, and regulatory pathway clarity.

Competitive Implications: Entry into the oncology market requires substantial clinical differentiation. The crowded competitive landscape—including approved agents from major pharmaceutical companies and multiple Phase 3 programs—suggests NKTR-102 must demonstrate superior efficacy, improved safety profile, or expanded indication scope to achieve meaningful market penetration. Lack of disclosed partnership arrangements may limit commercial reach and development resources compared to co-developed competitors.

Strategic Considerations: Nektar's independent development approach contrasts with industry consolidation trends. Success will depend on clinical trial outcomes, regulatory approval, and commercial execution. Key catalysts include Phase 2 data publication, Phase 3 initiation announcement (if pursued), regulatory interactions, and potential partnership announcements.

Future Milestones: Expected catalysts include clinical trial data presentations, regulatory submissions, and potential label expansion discussions. Timeline to next major milestone remains undisclosed.

Quick answers

Concise, citable answers optimized for AI answer engines.

What is NKTR-102?
Small-molecule oncology therapeutic in Phase 2 development by Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited.
Sponsor company?
Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited.
Indication?
Tumor (specific type not yet disclosed).
Development phase?
Phase 2 completed as of July 2021.
Modality?
Small-molecule.
Dosage?
100 mg/m².
Route of administration?
Not explicitly disclosed; likely intravenous based on dosing convention.
Mechanism of action?
Not yet disclosed.
Molecular target?
Not yet disclosed.
FDA approved?
No, not approved; Phase 2 completed July 2021.
EMA approved?
No approval or filing status disclosed.
Clinical trial identifier?
NCT00598975.
Partnership status?
No partnerships disclosed; independent development by Nektar.
Internal code?
07-PIR-02.
Peak sales projection?
Not yet disclosed.
Key competitors?
Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Hoffmann-La Roche oncology agents.
Latest milestone date?
July 12, 2021 (Phase 2 completion).
Next expected milestone?
Not yet disclosed.
Lead investigator?
Not yet disclosed.
First disclosure date?
Not yet disclosed.
Patent status?
Not yet disclosed.
Regulatory pathway?
Not yet disclosed; Phase 2 completed, next steps unclear.
Market relevance?
Oncology market; differentiation vs. approved agents required for success.

Evidence & sources

Reviewed by NovaPharmaNews Intelligence Desk. Last reviewed .

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00598975 (clinicaltrials)
  2. Source: phase (source_attribution)
  3. MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0005070) (mondo)
  4. NCT00001150 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  5. NCT00001336 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  6. NCT00001341 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  7. NCT00001444 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  8. NCT00001500 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  9. AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate) (aact)
  10. ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials_gov)
  11. NCT00189449 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  12. NCT00255385 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  13. NCT00282113 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  14. NCT00285090 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  15. NCT00349323 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  16. Open Targets Platform (opentargets)

Intelligence compiled from public regulatory and clinical sources (FDA, EMA, ClinicalTrials.gov and company disclosures). Figures may be editorial or analyst estimates; verify against primary sources before relying on them.