Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc - ATRA STOCK NEWS

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRA) will release its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results on February 28, 2022. The announcement will be followed by a live conference call at 4:30 p.m. EST to discuss these results and provide a corporate update. Atara aims to deliver T-cell immunotherapy treatments for serious diseases using its unique Epstein-Barr virus T-cell platform, currently advancing several therapies, including tab-cel® for EBV-driven conditions, and ATA188 targeting multiple sclerosis.

Atara Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: ATRA) announced the grant of 31,730 restricted stock units and stock options for 30,819 shares to new employees under its 2018 Inducement Plan, as per Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The restricted stock units vest over four years, with 25% vesting after the first anniversary, while stock options also vest over four years with an exercise price of $15.47. This strategy aims to attract talent in T-cell immunotherapy to further develop treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) has announced an agreement to sell its T-Cell Operations and Manufacturing (ATOM) facility in Thousand Oaks, California, to FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies for USD 100 million. This strategic deal, which includes a long-term supply agreement, aims to reduce Atara's operating expenses and is expected to fund its operations into Q4 2023. Atara will retain its manufacturing expertise while FDB will expand the site to produce a wider range of allogeneic cell therapies. The deal is anticipated to close in April 2022, pending regulatory approval.

Atara Biotherapeutics (ATRA) announced significant findings linking Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection to multiple sclerosis (MS). A recent study published in Nature shows how EBV triggers immune cells to attack the myelin sheath in the central nervous system, potentially causing MS. The research indicates that nearly 100% of MS patients have been infected with EBV. Atara's investigational therapy, ATA188, targets EBV-infected B cells and is currently in a Phase 2 clinical study, highlighting its potential as a treatment option for MS.

Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) announced significant milestones for its T-cell immunotherapies in 2021, including FDA Fast Track designation for ATA188 in multiple sclerosis, enhancing its market position. The company aims for tab-cel^® to be the first allogeneic therapy approved in the EU for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, with decisions expected in 2022. Key presentations will occur at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 12. The company is also advancing CAR T programs targeting solid tumors. 2022 is projected to be a pivotal year for Atara's drug approvals.

Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) announced the grant of 57,164 restricted stock units and options to purchase 64,925 shares of common stock to newly hired employees. These awards, approved by the Compensation Committee, are part of Atara’s 2018 Inducement Plan, intended as an incentive for new staff. The restricted stock units vest over four years, while stock options vest in a similar timeframe with a ten-year term. The exercise price for stock options is set at $16.89, equal to the stock's closing price on January 3, 2022.

Atara Biotherapeutics and Be The Match BioTherapies have extended their collaboration to supply healthy donor cells for Atara's off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy platform. This partnership aims to support patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases by utilizing Be The Match's extensive registry of over 22 million diverse HLA immune profiles. Atara's lead therapy, tab-cel, is currently under Phase 3 study and has recently submitted a marketing authorization application in the EU, marking a significant step towards availability for patients.

Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) announced that its President and CEO, Pascal Touchon, will present at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 12, 2022, at 2:15 PM PST / 5:15 PM EST. The presentation will highlight Atara's advancements in T-cell immunotherapy, focusing on their allogeneic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) T-cell platform aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. A live audio webcast will be available on their website, with a replay accessible for 30 days.

Atara Biotherapeutics has announced promising results from its Phase 3 ALLELE study of tabelecleucel (tab-cel) for treating EBV+ PTLD, showing a 50% objective response rate. Among responders, 11 of 19 had a response lasting over six months, with a median time to response of 1.1 months. The one-year survival rate for responders was 89.2%, compared to 32.4% for non-responders. Tab-cel has been well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns, and is under review by the EMA for potential approval.