ProKidney Names Manufacturing Veteran as CTO Ahead of Q2 2027 Readout
PROK•ProKidney appointed Kenneth Locke as Chief Technical Officer, leveraging his over 25 years of CMC and supply chain leadership to support scale-up of rilparencel manufacturing. His hire strengthens technical infrastructure as the company prepares for its pivotal Phase 3 topline readout in Q2 2027 and advances toward commercialization.
1. Appointment of Kenneth Locke as CTO
Kenneth Locke joined ProKidney as Chief Technical Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls and supply chain management. He previously led CMC, quality and regulatory functions at Carisma Therapeutics and held leadership roles at Celgene and Novartis advancing cell therapy manufacturing.
2. Role in rilparencel manufacturing scale-up
Locke will oversee scale-up of rilparencel manufacturing processes and technical strategy for ProKidney’s Phase 3 REGEN-006 (PROACT 1) study. His leadership aims to ensure robust Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls capabilities ahead of the pivotal topline readout scheduled for Q2 2027.
3. Impact on commercialization readiness
This strategic hire bolsters ProKidney’s technical infrastructure as it moves toward potential commercialization of its first-in-class autologous cell therapy for chronic kidney disease. Strengthened manufacturing and supply chain operations position the company for efficient regulatory filings and long-term growth.
