ONK Therapeutics develops next-generation, optimally engineered off-the-shelf natural killer (NK) cell therapies for hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Its pre-clinical pipeline includes three lead programs (ONKT102 for multiple myeloma, ONKT104 for AML, and ONKT103 for solid tumors) plus two CISH knockout-focused programs (ONKT105 and ONKT106). The company applies multiple proprietary gene edits (e.g., CISH KO, CD38 KO), TRAIL variants and checkpoint deletions (CD96, TIGIT, Siglec-7, PD-1) to enhance NK cytotoxicity, metabolic health and persistence. ONK is progressing IND-enabling studies and in vivo proof-of-concept models across programs. It is also advancing process development toward GMP manufacturing, including gene editing, expansion and cryopreservation capabilities to produce large numbers of NK cell batches from a single cord. The company is funded by a recently closed Series A to support program progression, organizational growth and preparation for clinical stage transition. ONK Therapeutics is a pre-clinical stage company developing an off-the-shelf, dual-targeted NK cell therapy platform that combines a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) with a membrane-bound TRAILv. The company is advancing multiple programs, including ONKT101 (a CD19 CAR + TRAILv for relapsed/refractory B cell malignancies) and ONKT102 (an optimized CD38 CAR + TRAILv for multiple myeloma). ONKT101 is partnered with Avectas and will use SOLUPORE technology for non-viral genetic modification, with ONK responsible for development to Phase 1. The company has a research focus on enhancing homing, persistence and overcoming exhaustion, including proprietary gene edits such as deletion of checkpoint inhibitory receptors. Founded in 2015 and based in Galway, Ireland, ONK plans to use new funding to expand its team, pre-clinical R&D and manufacturing to progress toward human clinical trials. The company recently appointed Chris Nowers as CEO to lead its expansion and development.

Total raised

$30M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Jan 2022