Welcome to our dedicated page for Atara Biotherape news (Ticker: ATRA), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Atara Biotherape stock.
About Atara Biotherapeutics (ATRA)
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for patients suffering from serious diseases, including solid tumors, hematologic cancers, and autoimmune conditions. Founded in 2012, the company is named after Atara Ciechanover, whose battle with cancer inspired its mission to empower patients with innovative treatment options. Atara operates in the United States healthcare sector and focuses on advancing cellular immunotherapy platforms to address significant unmet medical needs.
Core Business Areas
Atara specializes in the development of allogeneic T-cell immunotherapies, leveraging groundbreaking research into the role of T-cells and growth factors such as activin and myostatin in disease progression. The company’s product pipeline is centered on addressing the underlying mechanisms of diseases, offering novel solutions for patients with limited or no effective treatment options. Atara’s key areas of focus include:
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Targeted Therapies: Leveraging EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to treat diseases associated with EBV, including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD).
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Developing next-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, such as ATA3219, to target hematologic malignancies.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Autoimmune Diseases: Investigating innovative therapies like ATA188 to address progressive forms of MS by targeting EBV-infected B-cells implicated in autoimmune pathogenesis.
Product Pipeline
Atara’s robust pipeline includes several promising product candidates designed to address critical gaps in current medical treatments:
- Tab-cel®: An allogeneic EBV-specific T-cell immunotherapy targeting EBV-associated cancers, currently in advanced clinical trials.
- ATA188: A groundbreaking therapy aimed at treating progressive multiple sclerosis by modulating immune responses to EBV-infected cells.
- ATA3219: A CAR-T platform designed to enhance the efficacy and safety of T-cell therapies for hematologic cancers.
These therapies reflect Atara’s commitment to addressing both rare and prevalent diseases through innovative approaches rooted in cellular biology and immunotherapy.
Collaborations and Research Partnerships
Atara’s strategic collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) underscores its commitment to advancing T-cell immunotherapy research. This partnership focuses on the development of three T-cell product candidates targeting EBV, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1). By combining Atara’s expertise in immunotherapy with MSK’s research capabilities, the company aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking treatments for cancer and other diseases.
Competitive Landscape
Atara operates in a highly competitive biotechnology landscape, with key competitors including companies specializing in CAR-T therapies, allogeneic cell therapies, and advanced biologics. However, Atara differentiates itself through its focus on allogeneic T-cell platforms, which offer potential advantages in scalability, manufacturing, and cost-effectiveness compared to autologous therapies. Additionally, its emphasis on EBV-targeted therapies positions it uniquely within the immunotherapy space, addressing both oncology and autoimmune indications.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Atara faces challenges such as navigating complex regulatory pathways, achieving clinical trial success, and competing in a crowded biotech market, it also has significant opportunities to establish itself as a leader in allogeneic immunotherapy. By addressing high unmet medical needs and leveraging its innovative pipeline, Atara has the potential to transform treatment paradigms for a range of serious diseases.
Conclusion
Atara Biotherapeutics is at the forefront of cellular immunotherapy, driven by a mission to empower patients with better treatment options. Through its innovative product pipeline, strategic collaborations, and focus on addressing unmet medical needs, Atara is poised to make a meaningful impact in the biotechnology industry. Its commitment to advancing science and improving patient outcomes underscores its significance as a key player in the healthcare sector.
Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) announced that Bayer intends to terminate their exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for next-gen mesothelin-directed CAR T-cell therapies, including ATA3271 and ATA2271, aimed at high mesothelin-expressing tumors. This follows Bayer's strategic review prioritizing its pipeline. Atara will regain rights to continue clinical development and commercialization of the therapies and will proceed with ongoing studies, including a Phase 1 trial for ATA2271, even as patient enrollment is paused temporarily. The company will postpone the IND filing for ATA3271 beyond Q4 2022 while maintaining cash runway guidance into Q4 2023.
Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) announced the approval of 115,059 restricted stock units and 118,745 stock options for newly hired employees. This grant took place on May 2, 2022, under their 2018 Inducement Plan, in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The restricted stock units will vest over four years, while the stock options have a ten-year term with an exercise price of $6.94 per share. This strategic move aims to attract talent as Atara develops therapies for serious diseases utilizing its T-cell immunotherapy platform.
Atara Biotherapeutics (ATRA) reported strong progress in Q1 2022, with an upcoming interim analysis of ATA188 for progressive multiple sclerosis scheduled for June. Financial highlights include a cash balance of $301.8 million as of March 31, 2022, sufficient to fund operations into Q4 2023, bolstered by a $100 million sale of a cell therapy manufacturing facility. Notably, tab-cel's review by the EMA is on track for EC approval in Q4 2022, while Atara advances partnerships and clinical trials for its innovative therapies.
Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) has granted inducement awards to its new Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Charlene Banard. The awards include 155,350 restricted stock units, time-based stock options for 292,023 shares, and performance-based options for 33,184 shares, all effective as of April 25, 2022. The vesting of these options is contingent on Banard’s continued employment and achieving certain performance goals. The exercise price for the stock options is set at $7.29 per share, equal to the stock's closing price on the grant date.
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRA) will release its Q1 2022 financial results on May 5, 2022, after market close. A live conference call will follow at 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the results and provide a corporate update. Atara is a leader in T-cell immunotherapy, utilizing its unique allogeneic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) T-cell platform to develop therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company is advancing its pipeline, notably with tab-cel®, in Phase 3 clinical development for EBV+ PTLD.
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRA), a leader in T-cell immunotherapy, announced the grant of inducement awards to Brian Robinson, its new Senior Vice President of Global Medical Affairs. The awards include 73,449 restricted stock units and stock options to purchase 138,067 shares, with a performance-based component for an additional 15,689 shares. These awards are part of Atara’s 2018 Inducement Plan, effective April 18, 2022. All stock options have an exercise price of $7.73 per share, reflecting the closing price on the grant date.
Atara Biotherapeutics has granted 37,538 restricted stock units to five newly hired employees as part of its 2018 Inducement Plan, approved by the Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors. The awards, announced on April 1, 2022, vest over four years, incentivizing employee retention. This initiative aligns with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), highlighting Atara's commitment to employee engagement as it advances its T-cell immunotherapy platform to develop therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) announces the appointment of Charlene Banard as Chief Technical Officer. Banard will oversee process science, quality, and manufacturing. CEO Pascal Touchon highlighted her extensive experience in advanced therapies, including CAR T. Previously, Banard served at Novartis and Shire, where she managed global quality and advanced product pipelines. Atara is known for its innovative T-cell immunotherapies targeting serious diseases, with its lead program in Phase 3 clinical development for EBV-driven conditions.
Atara Biotherapeutics has announced the acquisition of its cell therapy manufacturing facility in Thousand Oaks, California, by FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies for USD 100 million. This strategic move, coupled with a long-term supply agreement, aims to enhance Atara's capacity for clinical and commercial-stage allogeneic cell therapies, including promising candidates like tabelecleucel and ATA188 for multiple sclerosis. The agreement is expected to reduce Atara's operating expenses and provide financial support into Q4 2023, aiding in the development of innovative therapies.
Eikon Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Roy D. Baynes as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, effective July 11, 2022. Dr. Baynes, a distinguished oncologist with extensive experience, previously held senior roles at Merck and Amgen, contributing to the development of significant drugs like Keytruda. He will lead the company's clinical research and development, leveraging Eikon's advanced technologies in drug discovery. This appointment aims to strengthen Eikon's ability to deliver innovative therapies for serious illnesses.
FAQ
What is the current stock price of Atara Biotherape (ATRA)?
What is the market cap of Atara Biotherape (ATRA)?
What does Atara Biotherapeutics specialize in?
What is the focus of Atara’s product pipeline?
How does Atara differentiate itself from competitors?
What are Atara’s key collaborations?
What challenges does Atara Biotherapeutics face?
What is Tab-cel®?
What is ATA188, and what does it treat?
What diseases does Atara aim to address?
