- Business
- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (NKGNW warrants) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous, allogeneic, and CAR-NK natural killer (NK) cell therapies for neurodegenerative and oncological diseases utilizing its proprietary SNK (super-activated) platform. The company's lead product candidates include troculeucel (SNK01), an autologous NK cell therapy in Phase 2 clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and refractory solid tumors; SNK02, an allogeneic NK cell therapy in Phase 1 trials for solid tumors; and additional pipeline programs targeting oncology and neurodegeneration through adoptive cellular immunotherapy. NKGen Biotech was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.
In September 2025, NKGen Biotech completed the acquisition of a 65% controlling stake in NKMax Co., Ltd. for approximately $16.9 million, funded by AlpineBrook Capital GP 1 Limited and CEO Dr. Paul Y. Song, gaining full control over global manufacturing infrastructure, intellectual property assets, and operations secured through 2026 to support commercialization of troculeucel, which has FDA fast track designation and shown efficacy in over 90% of treated Alzheimer's patients. Earlier in September 2025, the company entered a $2.5 million stock and warrant agreement with Asia Advisors Limited, issuing 10 million shares at $0.25 per share plus warrants for 20 million additional shares, along with an option for further shares and establishment of a business advisory board. NKGen Biotech also received U.S. FDA authorization for an Expanded Access Program for troculeucel to treat up to 20 patients with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's; the company was formerly known as NKMAX America, Inc., maintains a license agreement with NKMax, and trades common stock and warrants on the OTC Expert Market under NKGN and NKGNW.
NKGen Biotech operates in the biotechnology and cell therapy industry, serving patient populations with unmet needs in immuno-oncology and neurodegenerative disorders through clinical trials and strategic manufacturing control, with geographic focus encompassing the United States and global expansion opportunities in Asia and the Middle East via its NKMax integration.