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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 (ATRA) reported its Q4 and full year 2022 financial results, announcing a net loss of $74.6 million for Q4 and $228.3 million for the year. The company successfully launched Ebvallo™ in Europe and has extended its cash runway into Q2 2024, with total cash and investments of $242.8 million as of December 31, 2022. Key upcoming events include the primary data readout from the Phase 2 EMBOLD study for ATA188 in October 2023. Atara has also engaged in discussions with the FDA regarding a potential BLA for tab-cel. The Chief Financial Officer is transitioning to Eric Hyllengren.
Atara Biotherapeutics has transferred the European Commission marketing authorization for EBVALLO™ (tabelecleucel), the only approved therapy for relapsed or refractory Epstein-Barr virus positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (EBV+ PTLD), to Pierre Fabre. Starting immediately, Pierre Fabre will handle all commercialization activities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with plans to launch in the first European countries by Q1 2023. EBVALLO™ is vital for patients with limited treatment options, offering a favorable risk-benefit profile based on pivotal Phase 3 study results. Atara retains rights in major markets like North America and Asia Pacific.
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRA), a leader in T-cell immunotherapy, will release its fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results on February 8, 2023, after market close. The company is recognized for its innovative allogeneic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) T-cell platform, aimed at transformative therapies for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. Atara is making strides in creating off-the-shelf treatments, with a robust pipeline including tab-cel for EBV+ PTLD and ATA188 targeting multiple sclerosis. The company remains committed to enhancing patient lives through its advanced therapies.
Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) recently granted restricted stock units totaling 36,750 shares and stock options for 48,300 shares to newly hired employees as part of its 2018 Inducement Plan. These awards were approved by the Compensation Committee and were granted to incentivize these new hires. The restricted stock units will vest over four years, while the stock options have a ten-year term with an exercise price of $5.13, reflecting the stock's closing price on February 1, 2023. Atara focuses on T-cell immunotherapy, particularly utilizing its EBV T-cell platform for treating serious diseases.
Atara Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: ATRA) announced the grant of 66,800 restricted stock units to six new employees and stock options for 40,000 shares to one employee, approved by its Compensation Committee. The awards were granted under the 2018 Inducement Plan with a grant date of January 3, 2022. The restricted stock units will vest over four years, while the stock options will have a ten-year term with an exercise price of $3.28, equivalent to the January 3, 2022, closing price. Atara focuses on developing T-cell immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, having received marketing authorization for its lead program in Europe.
Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) announced that CEO Pascal Touchon will present at the 41st Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 11, 2023, at 3:45 PM PST in San Francisco. The company specializes in T-cell immunotherapy, focusing on treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, utilizing its allogeneic EBV T-cell platform. A live audio webcast of the presentation will be accessible on their website, along with an archived replay available for 30 days post-event.
Atara Biotherapeutics (ATRA) has secured a $31 million royalty interest financing agreement with HealthCare Royalty for its therapy, Ebvallo™, in Europe. This agreement is expected to extend Atara's cash runway and includes specified royalties and milestones linked to its commercialization partnership with Pierre Fabre. Additional milestones of $40 million from Pierre Fabre are also anticipated. The deal is seen as a strategic move to bolster Atara's financial position following the recent European approval of Ebvallo™ for treating a rare cancer.
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. announced that Carol Gallagher will replace Ron Renaud as Chair of the Board of Directors. Gallagher, a seasoned public company director, brings extensive experience, having served on Atara's Board since 2013. Renaud stepped down to focus on his new role at Bain Capital Life Sciences. Additionally, Roy Baynes will also leave the Board to pursue other opportunities. Atara’s President, Pascal Touchon, expressed confidence in Gallagher's leadership as the company continues to develop its EBV T-cell therapies aimed at serious diseases.
Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) receives European Commission approval for Ebvallo™ (tabelecleucel) to treat patients with EBV+ PTLD. This marks the first approval of an allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy globally.
Ebvallo™ is indicated for patients aged over two years with relapsed or refractory EBV+ PTLD who have had prior therapy. The approval comes after a positive opinion from the EMA’s CHMP, based on pivotal Phase 3 ALLELE study results.
Pierre Fabre will handle commercialization in Europe, benefiting patients facing a median survival of less than four months.
Atara Biotherapeutics announced interim results from its Phase 3 ALLELE study of tabelecleucel (tab-cel) for treating relapsed/refractory EBV+ PTLD. The study showed a 51.2% objective response rate in 43 patients, with a median duration of response of 23.0 months and median overall survival of 18.4 months. Results were presented at the 64th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. Tab-cel demonstrated potential in treating previously unaddressed EBV+ conditions, suggesting a significant market opportunity for Atara.