Artiva ends autoimmune cell therapy over durability shortfalls, will cut 94% of staff

Artiva Biotherapeutics is halting development of AlloNK, its experimental cell therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, after longer-term data showed responses were not durable enough to justify continued development. The decision also followed two patient deaths during trials: one fatal neurological event was assessed as likely related to the chemotherapy drug fludarabine used in the treatment regimen, while a second death was judged unrelated to the study treatment. The company canceled plans for a pivotal Phase 3 trial, is cutting about 94% of its workforce, and is exploring strategic alternatives, including a merger, asset sale, or liquidation.