Artiva Biotherapeutics Ends AlloNK Development, Cuts Workforce by 94% and Weighs Sale

Artiva Biotherapeutics will discontinue development of its lead candidate AlloNK (AB-101) and cut its workforce by approximately 94%, the company said in a GlobeNewswire announcement on October 27, 2026. The board is evaluating strategic alternatives that may include a merger, business combination, sale or licensing of assets, or dissolution and liquidation.

Why Artiva Stopped AlloNK Development

Artiva said the decision followed a review of overall risk-benefit in light of updated clinical data, including longer-term follow-up, and two recent Grade 5 safety events. Updated response data for AlloNK combined with rituximab continued to show deep B cell depletion and clinical activity consistent with earlier findings, but longer-term follow-up did not reflect the durability of response the company believes is needed to support continued development. No additional patients will be dosed in any ongoing AlloNK study, and the planned Phase 3 pivotal trial will not be initiated.

One participant in the Phase 2a basket trial experienced a fatal neurological event (leukoencephalopathy) after study treatment that included protocol-specified lymphodepletion with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. The investigator and an independent safety review assessed the event as likely related to fludarabine-associated neurotoxicity, and the FDA asked Artiva to pause enrollment and dosing in the Phase 2a study. A second participant died suddenly approximately two months after starting study treatment; the investigator assessed that event as unrelated to AlloNK or any other component of the regimen, and the cause of death has not been determined.

"After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue development of AlloNK and to pursue strategic alternatives," said Fred Aslan, M.D., chief executive officer of Artiva Biotherapeutics. "We are deeply saddened by the deaths of two patients who participated in our clinical studies and extend our sincere condolences to their families."

Leerink Partners has been engaged as Artiva's financial advisor for the strategic evaluation. Leerink launched an event-driven sales and trading team within its Institutional Equities platform, led by Josh Ezrin as Senior Managing Director, PR Newswire reported on October 5, 2026.

Artiva's Cash Position Before the Restructuring

According to akta.pro company records, Artiva raised approximately $300 million in an underwritten offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants at $11.52 per share in May 2026 to fund Phase 3 trial costs, global clinical hub establishment and commercialization preparation for AlloNK in refractory rheumatoid arthritis. The same records show the company received FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation for AlloNK plus rituximab in refractory rheumatoid arthritis in June 2026. Artiva reported approximately $319.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments as of September 30, 2026, preliminary and unaudited.

AlloNK's Path Before the Halt

In August 2026, Seeking Alpha reported that Artiva was advancing AlloNK for refractory rheumatoid arthritis following Phase 2a results showing a 71% ACR50 response rate. Artiva said in September 2026 that management would take part in two investor conferences that month, including live fireside chats on September 9 and 14, Stock Titan reported. On August 7, 2026, Seeking Alpha reported that Artiva held $349.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2026, projected to fund operations through 2029.

Artiva's Cancelled November 9 Webcast

Artiva no longer plans to present previously announced clinical data at ACR Convergence 2026 and will cancel its investor webcast scheduled for November 9, 2026. The company will work with the FDA, investigators and institutional review boards on an orderly close-out of its clinical development program, including continued safety monitoring and reporting.