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

Phase 2 · small molecule · Tumor

NKTR-102 is a small-molecule oncology therapeutic developed by Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited targeting tumor indications. The program is currently in Phase 2 development, with the most recent milestone recorded on July 9, 2018. As a small-molecule modality, NKTR-102 represents Nektar's approach to addressing unmet nee

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

Internal code 08-PIR-05

At a glance

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

Executive summary

NKTR-102 is a small-molecule oncology therapeutic developed by Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited targeting tumor indications. The program is currently in Phase 2 development, with the most recent milestone recorded on July 9, 2018. As a small-molecule modality, NKTR-102 represents Nektar's approach to addressing unmet needs in cancer treatment. The program's mechanism of action and specific molecular target have not been publicly disclosed. Development status indicates the Phase 2 program has been completed, though regulatory pathway and next development steps remain undisclosed. The competitive landscape for tumor therapeutics is substantial, with numerous approved agents spanning multiple mechanisms including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and chemotherapy combinations. NKTR-102's positioning within this landscape and commercial strategy have not been detailed in available disclosures.

Analyst view

Why this program matters

Oncology remains a high-priority therapeutic area with significant unmet medical needs across multiple tumor types. The competitive landscape for NKTR-102 includes established approved therapies such as Braftovi, Zelboraf, Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, and Durvalumab, as well as emerging agents in Phase 3 development. The market relevance of new tumor therapeutics depends on differentiation through improved efficacy, safety, or patient convenience compared to existing standards of care. NKTR-102's small-molecule modality positions it within a well-established drug class for oncology. The completion of Phase 2 development suggests the program has generated sufficient clinical data to inform decisions regarding advancement. However, without disclosed mechanism of action, target identification, or clinical efficacy data, the specific patient population addressed and commercial significance remain unclear. The presence of numerous competitors at various development stages underscores the competitive intensity in oncology drug development. Success will depend on NKTR-102's ability to demonstrate clinical benefit in a defined patient population and regulatory pathway to approval.

Drug intelligence

NKTR-102 is classified as a small-molecule oncology therapeutic. The drug's specific mechanism of action, molecular target, and route of administration have not been disclosed. As a small-molecule modality, NKTR-102 follows established pharmaceutical principles for oral or parenteral delivery in cancer treatment. Related approved therapies in the competitive space include:

  • Targeted therapies: Braftovi (encorafenib), Zelboraf (vemurafenib), Alecensa (alectinib)
  • Immunotherapies: Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Durvalumab
  • Chemotherapy agents: Irinotecan liposomes, cisplatin, carboplatin, gemcitabine, vinorelbine
  • Multikinase inhibitors: GAVRETO (pralsetinib), SELPERCATINIB

First approval status and patent information for NKTR-102 have not been 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 22018-07-09

    Phase 2 completion

    Most recent disclosed milestone for NKTR-102 Phase 2 program.

Competitive landscape

NKTR-102 operates within a highly competitive oncology landscape dominated by multiple approved small-molecule and biologic therapies. Approved competitors include Braftovi and Zelboraf (BRAF inhibitors from Pfizer Australia), Alecensa (ALK inhibitor from Hoffmann-La Roche), GAVRETO (RET inhibitor from Rigel Pharmaceuticals), and SELPERCATINIB (RET inhibitor from Eli Lilly). Immunotherapy agents such as Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab (both approved), and Durvalumab (AstraZeneca) represent alternative mechanisms. Chemotherapy combinations including irinotecan liposomes with cisplatin/carboplatin are established standards. Additional Phase 3 programs from Hoffmann-La Roche and other sponsors indicate continued competitive development. The competitive field spans multiple mechanisms including BRAF/MEK inhibition, ALK inhibition, RET inhibition, PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition, and conventional chemotherapy. Without disclosed efficacy data or target identification for NKTR-102, direct competitive positioning cannot be assessed. Success will require demonstration of clinical advantage over this established competitive set.

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 has not been disclosed. FDA, EMA, PMDA (Japan), and NMPA (China) approval pathways and timelines are not yet disclosed. The program's Phase 2 completion as of July 2018 suggests evaluation of regulatory strategy may be underway, but specific regulatory submissions, breakthrough designations, or approval timelines have not been announced. Expected next regulatory milestones and regulatory agency interactions remain undisclosed.

Clinical evidence summary

NCT00802945

Objective
Not yet disclosed
Design
Not yet disclosed
Participants
Not yet disclosed
Primary endpoint
Not yet disclosed
Results
Results not yet reported in available disclosures

Key questions answered

What is NKTR-102 used for?

NKTR-102 is a small-molecule therapeutic in development for tumor indications. The specific tumor type or indication has not been disclosed.

Is NKTR-102 approved?

No, NKTR-102 is not approved. The program is in Phase 2 development with the most recent milestone recorded in July 2018.

Who manufactures NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is developed by Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited.

What is the mechanism of action of NKTR-102?

The mechanism of action for NKTR-102 has not been publicly disclosed.

What is the molecular target of NKTR-102?

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

What is the drug modality of NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is a small-molecule therapeutic.

What clinical trials support NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is associated with clinical trial NCT00802945. Detailed trial design, results, and endpoints have not been disclosed.

What is the current development status of NKTR-102?

NKTR-102 is in Phase 2 development with completion status as of July 2018. Next development steps are undisclosed.

Does NKTR-102 have a development partner?

No development partner or licensing arrangement has been disclosed for NKTR-102.

What are the main competitors to NKTR-102?

Competitors in oncology include approved agents such as Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Durvalumab, Braftovi, Zelboraf, and GAVRETO, as well as Phase 3 programs from multiple sponsors.

When was NKTR-102 first disclosed?

The first disclosure date for NKTR-102 has not been recorded.

What is the projected peak sales for NKTR-102?

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

What is the internal code for NKTR-102?

The internal code for NKTR-102 is 08-PIR-05.

Is there consensus analyst opinion on NKTR-102?

Consensus analyst position on NKTR-102 has not been disclosed.

What is the route of administration for NKTR-102?

The route of administration for NKTR-102 has not been disclosed.

Who is the lead investigator for NKTR-102?

The lead investigator for NKTR-102 has not been disclosed.

Entity relationship graph

NKTR-102 → Drug → Target → Indication → Company → Trials → Competitors

Evidence-based

Analyst insights

NKTR-102 represents Nektar Therapeutics' investment in small-molecule oncology, though the program's specific strategic positioning remains unclear due to limited public disclosure. Key observations:

  • Phase 2 completion in 2018 suggests the program has generated clinical data, but advancement to Phase 3 or regulatory submission status is undisclosed.
  • Lack of disclosed mechanism of action and target limits competitive analysis and market assessment.
  • The oncology competitive landscape is saturated with approved agents and numerous Phase 3 programs, requiring clear differentiation for commercial success.
  • Future catalysts include potential Phase 3 initiation announcement, regulatory pathway clarification, or clinical efficacy data disclosure.
  • The absence of disclosed partnership or licensing arrangements suggests Nektar is developing NKTR-102 independently.
  • Commercial significance cannot be assessed without disclosed target indication, mechanism, and clinical efficacy profile.

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.
Is NKTR-102 approved?
No, NKTR-102 is in Phase 2 development, not approved.
What indication does NKTR-102 treat?
Tumor indications; specific tumor type not disclosed.
Who develops NKTR-102?
Nektar Therapeutics UK Limited.
What is the mechanism of action?
Mechanism of action not yet disclosed.
What is the molecular target?
Molecular target not yet disclosed.
What is the drug modality?
Small-molecule.
What is the current development phase?
Phase 2, completed as of July 2018.
Does NKTR-102 have a partner?
No development partner disclosed.
What is the route of administration?
Route of administration not yet disclosed.
What clinical trial supports NKTR-102?
NCT00802945; detailed results not yet reported.
What are key competitors?
Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Durvalumab, Braftovi, Zelboraf, GAVRETO.
What is the internal code?
08-PIR-05.
When was the latest milestone?
July 9, 2018.
What is projected peak sales?
Peak sales not yet disclosed.
Is there analyst consensus?
Consensus analyst position not yet disclosed.
Who is the lead investigator?
Lead investigator not yet disclosed.
When was NKTR-102 first disclosed?
First disclosure date not yet recorded.
What is the license type?
License type not yet disclosed.
Is NKTR-102 in Phase 3?
No, NKTR-102 is in Phase 2 with completion status as of 2018.
What is the next expected milestone?
Next milestone not yet disclosed.
Does NKTR-102 have breakthrough status?
Breakthrough designation status not yet disclosed.

Evidence & sources

Reviewed by NovaPharmaNews Intelligence Desk. Last reviewed .

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00802945 (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.