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NKTR-255

Phase 2

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma | Small molecule | Oncology |Nektar Therapeutics|Trials Updated: Sep 28, 2026

NKTR-255 development status

Highest phase Phase 2
Registered trials 4 across 3 sponsors since Oct 2019

NKTR-255 target and mechanism

Molecular targetIL-15 receptor
Target classReceptor
ModalitySmall molecule

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

RandomizedCONTROLLEDDMC
Total Trials3
Total Enrollment311

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

NKTR-255 clinical trials

NKTR-255 · 3 trials · 6 indications

Phase 2 1Phase 1 2
NCT05327530A Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Various Combinations of Avelumab as Therapy in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma (JAVELIN Bladder Medley)Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
ACTIVE NOT_RECRUITING256 Analytics
PHASE2ACTIVE NOT_RECRUITING
A Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Various Combinations of Avelumab as Therapy in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma (JAVELIN Bladder Medley)
Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial CarcinomaUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Progression-Free Survival (PFS) According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST Version 1.1) Assessed by Investigator - Avelumab + Sacituzumab Govitecan Versus Avelumab Monotherapy (Avelumab [Control Group] + JB 100 [External Control])
Time from date of randomization to first documentation of progressive disease (PD) or death, assessed up to 32 months and 12 days (current study) and 41 months (JB100 extended control group)

PFS:defined as time from date of randomization to first documentation of progressive disease (PD) or death, occurring within 2 scheduled tumor assessments after last evaluable assessment or randomization. PD:at least a 20 percent (%) increase in the sum of the longest diameter (SLD), taking as reference the smallest SLD recorded from baseline/ appearance of 1/more new lesions. The propensity score (PS)-based weighted Kaplan-Meier estimated median PFS times. PS were used as weights to minimize impact of confounding factors on estimation of causal treatment effects. Each participant from randomized study was assigned a weight of 1, while participants from external control received a PS-based weight with sum of weights adding up to number of participants in randomized control arm. PFS Efficacy analysis was prespecified to use a pooled control population comprising the avelumab control arm and JB100 external control cohort; therefore, results are reported for combined control population.

Progression-Free Survival (PFS) According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST Version 1.1) Assessed by Investigator - Avelumab + M6223 Versus Avelumab Monotherapy (Avelumab [Control Group] + JB 100 [External Control])
Time from date of randomization to first documentation of progressive disease (PD) or death, assessed up to 32 months and 12 days (current study) and 41 months (JB100 extended control group)

PFS:defined as time from date of randomization to first documentation of progressive disease (PD) or death, occurring within 2 scheduled tumor assessments after last evaluable assessment or randomization. PD:at least a 20 percent (%) increase in the sum of the longest diameter (SLD), taking as reference the smallest SLD recorded from baseline/ appearance of 1/more new lesions. The propensity score (PS)-based weighted Kaplan-Meier estimated median PFS times. PS were used as weights to minimize impact of confounding factors on estimation of causal treatment effects. Each participant from randomized study was assigned a weight of 1, while participants from external control received a PS-based weight with sum of weights adding up to number of participants in randomized control arm. PFS Efficacy analysis was prespecified to use a pooled control population comprising the avelumab control arm and JB100 external control cohort; therefore, results are reported for combined control population.

Progression-Free Survival (PFS) According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST Version 1.1) Assessed by Investigator - Avelumab + NKTR-255 Versus Avelumab Monotherapy (Avelumab [Control Group] + JB 100 [External Control])
Time from date of randomization to first documentation of progressive disease (PD) or death, assessed up to 32 months and 12 days (current study) and 41 months (JB100 extended control group)

PFS:defined as time from date of randomization to first documentation of progressive disease (PD) or death, occurring within 2 scheduled tumor assessments after last evaluable assessment or randomization. PD:at least a 20 percent (%) increase in the sum of the longest diameter (SLD), taking as reference the smallest SLD recorded from baseline/ appearance of 1/more new lesions. The propensity score (PS)-based weighted Kaplan-Meier estimated median PFS times. PS were used as weights to minimize impact of confounding factors on estimation of causal treatment effects. Each participant from randomized study was assigned a weight of 1, while participants from external control received a PS-based weight with sum of weights adding up to number of participants in randomized control arm. PFS Efficacy analysis was prespecified to use a pooled control population comprising the avelumab control arm and JB100 external control cohort; therefore, results are reported for combined control population.

Number of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs), Treatment-Related Adverse Events, and AEs of Special Interest (AESIs)
Up to 32 months and 12 days (Current study) and 61 months and 11 days (JB100 extended control group)

Adverse Event (AE): any untoward medical occurrence in a participant administered with a study drug, which does not necessarily had a causal relationship with this treatment. Serious AE: AE that resulted in any of the following outcomes: death; life threatening; persistent/significant disability/incapacity; initial/prolonged inpatient hospitalization; congenital anomaly/birth defect. TEAEs were defined as events with onset date or worsening during the on-treatment period, defined as the time from the first dose of study intervention administration days to the last administration day + 30 days, or the start day of subsequent anticancer therapy - 1 day, whichever occurred first. TEAEs included serious AEs and non- serous AEs. AESIs included Infusion-related reactions (IRRs), Immune-related AEs (irAEs), Thromboembolic events, Cytokine release syndrome, QT interval prolongation.

Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAE) and Serious Adverse Events (SAE) of NKTR-255 in Combination With Cetuximab in R/R HNSCC or CRC for Phase 1b Dose Escalation
60 days after the last dose of study treatment, up to an average of 6 months.

Safety and tolerability of NKTR-255 in combination with cetuximab as evaluated by dose limiting toxicities, incidence of drug-related Adverse Events (AEs), SAEs, and AEs leading to discontinuation, deaths, and clinical laboratory abnormalities per CTCAE 5.0

The Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) and/or Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) of NKTR-255 in Combination With Cetuximab in R/R HNSCC or CRC for Phase 1b Dose Escalation
Up to 21 days

To define the MTD and/or RP2D of NKTR-255 in combination with cetuximab in R/R HNSCC or CRC for Phase 1b Dose Escalation

Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events of NKTR-255 as a single agent
Through study completion, an expected average of 6 months

Safety and tolerability of NKTR-255 as evaluated by incidence of Dose Limiting Toxicities (DLTs), drug-related Adverse Events (AEs), Serious Adverse Events (SAEs), AEs leading to discontinuation, deaths, clinical laboratory abnormalities per CTCAE v5.

Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events of NKTR-255 with daratumumab SC
Through study completion, an expected average of 1 year

Safety and tolerability of NKTR-255 in combination with daratumumab as evaluated by incidence of drug-related AEs, SAEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, deaths, clinical laboratory abnormalities per CTCAE v5

Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events of NKTR-255 with rituximab
Through study completion, an expected average of 1 year

Safety and tolerability of NKTR-255 in combination with rituximab as evaluated by incidence of drug-related AEs, SAEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, deaths, clinical laboratory abnormalities per CTCAE v5

Evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of NKTR-255 as a single agent
Through study completion, an expected average of 6 months
Evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of NKTR-255 in combination with daratumumab SC
Through study completion, an expected average of 1 year
Evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of NKTR-255 in combination with rituximab
Through study completion, an expected average of 1 year

Secondary Endpoints

Overall Survival (OS) -Avelumab + Sacituzumab Govitecan Versus Avelumab Monotherapy (Avelumab [Control Group] + JB 100 [External Control])
Time from date of randomization to death, assessed up to 32 months and 12 days (current study) and 41 months (JB100 extended control group)
Overall Survival (OS) - Avelumab + M6223 Versus Avelumab Monotherapy (Avelumab [Control Group] + JB 100 [External Control])
Time from date of randomization to death, assessed up to 32 months and 12 days (current study) and 41 months (JB100 extended control group)
Overall Survival (OS) - Avelumab + NKTR-255 Versus Avelumab Monotherapy (Avelumab [Control Group] + JB 100 [External Control])
Time from date of randomization to death, assessed up to 32 months and 12 days (current study) and 41 months (JB100 extended control group)
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationRANDOMIZED
MaskingNONE
ModelPARALLEL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
AvelumabEXPERIMENTALParticipants received intravenous infusion of Avelumab at a dose of 800 mg once every 2 weeks until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
Avelumab + Sacituzumab Govitecan (SG)EXPERIMENTALParticipants received intravenous infusion of Avelumab at a dose of 800 milligrams (mg) once every 2 weeks in combination with intravenous infusion of SG at dose of 10 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of bodyweight once a week on Day 1 and 8 of each 21-daytreatment cycles until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
Avelumab + M6223EXPERIMENTALParticipants received intravenous infusion of Avelumab at a dose of 800 mg once every 2 weeks in combination with intravenous infusion of M6223 at dose of 1600 mg once every 2 weeks until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
Group D: Avelumab + NKTR-255EXPERIMENTALParticipants received intravenous infusion of Avelumab at a dose of 800 mg once every 2 weeks in combination with intravenous infusion of NKTR-255 at a dose of 3 micrograms per kilogram (mcg/kg) of body weight once every 4 weeks until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
JB100 (NCT02603432)OTHERAs per the Clinical Study Protocol, the control group (avelumab alone) was extended by data from an external control, i.e. the JAVELIN Bladder 100 study (JB100) (NCT02603432). Participants received an intravenous infusion of 10 mg/kg of Avelumab along with best supportive care (BSC), on Day 1 and 15 of each 28 days treatment cycle, until confirmed disease progression, participant refusal, lost to follow up, unacceptable toxicity, or study termination by the sponsor, whichever occurred first. BSC was administered asper the treating physician. Participants were followed up until death, end of the study or withdrawal of consent, whichever comes first, regardless of initiation of new anticancer therapy.
Dose Escalation of NKTR-255 with CetuximabEXPERIMENTALEstablish RP2D, of NKTR-255 with cetuximab.
Dose EscalationEXPERIMENTALEvaluation of NKTR-255 as: * Monotherapy * In combination with daratumumab * In combination with rituximab This phase will help to determine the RP2D of NKTR-255
Dose Expansion Cohort AEXPERIMENTALEvaluation of RP2D of NKTR-255 as monotherapy in patients with NHL relapsed after CAR-T
Dose Expansion Cohort BEXPERIMENTALEvaluation of RP2D of NKTR-255 as monotherapy and in combination with SC daratumumab in patients with R/R MM
Dose Expansion Cohort CEXPERIMENTALEvaluation of RP2D of NKTR-255 as monotherapy and in combination with rituximab in patients with R/R iNHL

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
AvelumabDRUGParticipants received intravenous infusion of Avelumab at a dose of 800 mg once every 2 weeks until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
Sacituzumab Govitecan (SG)DRUGParticipants received intravenous infusion SG at dose of 10 mg/kg of bodyweight once a week on Day 1 and 8 of each 21-daytreatment cycles until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
M6223DRUGParticipants intravenous infusion of M6223 at dose of 1600 mg once every 2 weeks until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
NKTR-255DRUGParticipants intravenous infusion of NKTR-255 at a dose of 3 mcg/kg of body weight once every 4 weeks until unacceptable toxicity, withdraw consent or initiation of a new treatment.
JB100DRUGAs per the Clinical Study Protocol, the control group (avelumab alone) was extended by data from an external control, i.e. the JAVELIN Bladder 100 study (JB100) (NCT02603432). Participants received an intravenous infusion of 10 mg/kg of Avelumab along with best supportive care (BSC), on Day 1 and 15 of each 28 days treatment cycle, until confirmed disease progression, participant refusal, lost to follow up, unacceptable toxicity, or study termination by the sponsor, whichever occurred first. BSC was administered asper the treating physician. Participants were followed up until death, end of the study or withdrawal of consent, whichever comes first, regardless of initiation of new anticancer therapy.
CetuximabDRUGCetuximab will be given at specified doses on specified days
NKTR-255 Q21DRUGNKTR-255 administered by IV infusion every 21 days to establish safety and tolerability
RituximabDRUGRituximab administered intravenously at specified dose on specified days
DaratumumabDRUGDaratumumab administered subcutaneously at specified dose on specified days
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range18 Years to N/A
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites98

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants with histologically confirmed, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Both transitional cell and mixed transitional/non- transitional cell histologies are allowed, but transitional cell carcinoma must be the predominant histology * Parti...

Countries:United StatesAustraliaBelgiumCanadaFranceGermanyGreeceItalySouth KoreaSpainTaiwanUnited Kingdom
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Recent Changes (Last 90 Days)

LOWSep 28, 2026NCT05327530lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWSep 28, 2026NCT05327530lastUpdatePostDate: changed
MEDIUMSep 1, 2026NCT05327530Completion: 2026-06-25 → 2027-01-22
MEDIUMSep 1, 2026NCT05327530Completion: 2026-06-25 → 2027-01-22

Frequently asked questions about NKTR-255

What is NKTR-255?

NKTR-255 is an investigational oncology drug developed by Nektar Therapeutics. It is being studied in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, and multiple myeloma. It is designed to target the IL-15 receptor and is currently in Phase 1 clinical development.

What does NKTR-255 target?

NKTR-255 targets the IL-15 receptor. By engaging this receptor, the drug is designed to stimulate immune cell activity as an immunotherapy approach in oncology. This mechanism is being evaluated in clinical trials across several cancer types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and multiple myeloma.

Who makes NKTR-255?

NKTR-255 is developed by Nektar Therapeutics, which trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker NKTR. The company is evaluating the drug in oncology indications including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, and multiple myeloma.

What phase is NKTR-255 in?

NKTR-255 is in Phase 1 clinical development. It is an investigational drug and has not been approved by the FDA. Trials have evaluated it in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with a Phase 2 combination study ongoing in urothelial carcinoma.

What clinical trials is NKTR-255 in?

NKTR-255 has been studied in NCT04616196, a completed Phase 1 trial in combination with cetuximab in solid tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and NCT04136756, a completed Phase 1 trial in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. NCT05327530 is an active Phase 2 study in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.