STAT+: After two deaths in autoimmune cell therapy trial, Artiva is shutting down

Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.Artiva Biotherapeutics said Tuesday that it’s winding down after two patients died in a trial testing its cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, the latest in a series of safety events that emerged in a promising research field. One participant in the Phase 2 study died from a neurological complication after receiving the treatment, an NK cell therapy. Researchers, however, determined the death was likely not related to the cell therapy itself, but to a chemotherapy that was given before the cell therapy, Artiva said. It’s standard to give patients chemotherapies before infusing cell therapies to lower the patients’ white blood cell count and make room for the new cells. A second participant experienced sudden death about two months after treatment. Researchers determined that this was not related to any component of the treatment process, but the cause of death has not been determined, the San Diego-based company said. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe