Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy Clinical Trials, Proprietary Technologies, Collaborations & Market Opportunity Insight 2025

Pharmaceutical Corporations All Over the World are Thrilled that NK Cell-based Medicines Have Become a Viable Alternative to T-Cell-based Therapy

This Report Exclusively Examines Therapeutic Strategies That Employ Natural Killer (NK) Cells, Excluding Any Methods That Incorporate Antibody Engagers Intended To Bind To & Activate NK Cells

Report Highlights & Findings:

• Global & Regional Market Trends By Indication
• First NK Cell Therapy Approval Expected By 2028
• Number Of NK Cell Therapies In Clinical Trials: >180 Therapies
• Highest Phase For NK Cell Therapies Clinical Trials: Phase II/III
• NK Cell Therapies Granted Fast Track & Orphan Status: > 5 Therapies
• Global Natural Killer Cell Therapies Clinical Trials By Company, Indication & Phase
• Insight On Recent Partnerships, Collaborations & Licensing Agreements 
• NK Cell Therapies Proprietary Technologies By Company
• Monotherapy & Combinational Treatment Strategies 

Cell therapies have made significant progress in recent years, transforming treatment methods for a variety of diseases. Among these, NK (natural killer) cell therapies have gained considerable interest due to their potential. While they initially focused on cancer treatment, these therapies are now branching out to tackle non-cancerous conditions such as autoimmune diseases. NK cells play vital role in the immune system’s fight against tumors and infections, and researchers are working to enhance their natural ability to target and destroy harmful cells. Although this field is still developing, with many therapies in early stages of clinical trials, the rapid enhancement of NK cell therapies, bolstered by innovative research and increasing funding, suggests a significant change in healthcare. 

One of the most notable developments in NK cell therapies is the growing interest in allogeneic NK cells, which are derived from healthy donors and can be used off-the-shelf, offering a scalable solution for mass treatment. These therapies are being explored not only in cancer but also in autoimmune conditions, reflecting a broadening of their application. For example, companies like Nkarta are advancing allogeneic NK cell therapies for conditions such as myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune disease, showing how NK cell therapy could potentially reshape the landscape of immunotherapy for both cancer and autoimmune disorders. Similarly, several companies are targeting specific cancers with engineered NK cells, such as SMT Bio’s SMT-NK, which is being evaluated for biliary tract cancer. This therapy combines NK cells with immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab to improve efficacy, marking a significant step forward in NK cell-based combination therapies.

The rapid advancement of NK cell therapies is being supported by robust funding from both private investors and government agencies. For instance, in late 2024, Indapta Therapeutics secured US$ 22.5 million in financing to support the clinical development of its allogeneic NK cell therapy, IDP-023, for cancer and autoimmune diseases. This influx of capital is crucial for generating data in ongoing trials, allowing for further exploration of NK cell therapy’s potential. Similarly, the City University of Hong Kong received a government grant to develop CAR-NK cells for treating autoimmune juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare pediatric disease. This funding highlights the increasing interest and investment in NK cell therapies not just for cancer but also for a range of other immune-mediated conditions.

At the same time, collaborations between biotechnology firms and pharmaceutical giants are helping to drive clinical development. For example, Indapta Therapeutics partnered with Sanofi to explore the combination of IDP-023 with Sarclisa (isatuximab) for multiple myeloma. This collaboration underscores the importance of integrating NK cell therapies with other established treatments to enhance their effectiveness. By combining NK cells with existing monoclonal antibodies or chemotherapy regimens, these treatments could overcome some of the limitations seen with monotherapies. Additionally, innovative technologies such as nanomaterials and gene editing are being incorporated into NK cell therapy to enhance targeting precision and improve clinical outcomes. Nanoparticles are being used to stabilize NK cells and boost their ability to reach and eliminate tumor cells, offering an exciting new approach to improving the performance of these therapies.

To conclude, the NK cell therapy market is entering a period of significant growth, with substantial investments and technological advancements driving progress. The focus on allogeneic NK cells and their potential for treating both cancer and autoimmune diseases represents a promising shift in immunotherapy. Strategic collaborations, cutting-edge technologies, and the continued influx of funding will likely accelerate the development of NK cell therapies, transforming the treatment paradigm for a wide array of diseases. As clinical data continues to emerge, the NK cell therapy market is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of precision medicine, offering novel, off-the-shelf solutions for conditions that have historically been difficult to treat with conventional therapies.