Artiva Biotherapeutics Company Profile

Background

Overview

Artiva Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing effective, safe, and accessible cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases and cancers. The company's lead program, AlloNK®, is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf, non-genetically modified natural killer (NK) cell therapy designed to enhance the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) effect of monoclonal antibodies, thereby driving B-cell depletion. AlloNK® is currently being evaluated in multiple clinical trials targeting B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjögren’s disease.

Mission and Vision

Artiva's mission is to deliver highly effective, off-the-shelf, allogeneic NK cell-based therapies that are safe and accessible to cancer patients. The company envisions transforming the treatment landscape for autoimmune diseases and cancers by providing scalable and readily available cell therapies.

Primary Area of Focus

Artiva focuses on developing NK cell-based therapies, particularly AlloNK®, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers. The company's pipeline includes therapies targeting both solid and hematologic cancers, as well as autoimmune conditions.

Industry Significance

Artiva is positioned at the forefront of the cell therapy industry, particularly in the development of allogeneic NK cell therapies. The company's innovative approach aims to address significant unmet needs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers, offering potential advantages over traditional therapies.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Advance the development of AlloNK® for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers.

• Establish AlloNK® as a leading off-the-shelf NK cell therapy.

• Expand the clinical pipeline to include additional indications and combination therapies.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Allogeneic NK cell therapies.

• Combination therapies with monoclonal antibodies.

• Treatment of B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Key Technologies Utilized

• AlloNK® platform for NK cell therapy development.

• Cryopreservation techniques for off-the-shelf cell therapies.

• Manufacturing processes for large-scale production of NK cells.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Autoimmune diseases, including RA, SLE, and Sjögren’s disease.

• Hematologic cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

• Solid tumors, including HER2-positive cancers.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Series B Financing (February 2021): Raised $120 million led by Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, with participation from other investors, to advance NK cell therapy development programs.

• Initial Public Offering (July 2024): Completed an IPO raising $179 million in gross proceeds, enhancing the company's financial position.

Total Funds Raised

Approximately $299 million through Series B financing and the IPO.

Notable Investors

• Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners

• Acuta Capital Partners

• Cormorant Asset Management

• EcoR1 Capital

• Franklin Templeton

• Janus Henderson Investors

• Logos Capital

• RTW Investments, LP

• Surveyor Capital (a Citadel Company)

• Wellington Management Company

• 5AM Ventures

• RA Capital Management

• venBio Partners

• GC LabCell (Green Cross LabCell Corporation)

• GC (Green Cross Holdings Corporation)

Intended Utilization of Capital

• Advancing AlloNK® clinical trials for autoimmune diseases and cancers.

• Expanding the clinical pipeline with additional indications and combination therapies.

• Enhancing manufacturing capabilities to support large-scale production.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• AlloNK® (AB-101): An allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK cell therapy designed to enhance ADCC when combined with monoclonal antibodies.

• AB-201: An anti-HER2 CAR-NK cell therapy targeting HER2-positive solid tumors.

• AB-202: A CD19-specific CAR-NK cell therapy targeting B-cell malignancies.

Stages of Clinical Trials

• AlloNK®:

• Autoimmune Diseases: Ongoing Phase 1/1b trials in SLE with or without lupus nephritis, and a basket trial across autoimmune diseases including RA and Sjögren’s disease.

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Ongoing Phase 1/2 trial in combination with rituximab for relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL.

• AB-201 and AB-202: Planned IND filings in 2022.

Target Conditions

• Autoimmune diseases: RA, SLE, lupus nephritis, Sjögren’s disease.

• Cancers: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, HER2-positive solid tumors, B-cell malignancies.

Anticipated Milestones

• 2025: Initial data for AlloNK® in autoimmune indications expected in the first half.

• 2026: Updated clinical data from the Phase 1/2 NHL trial to be presented at a medical conference.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• AlloNK® Platform: A manufacturing-first approach for large-scale production and cryopreservation of off-the-shelf NK cell therapies.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Cryopreservation Techniques: Enabling off-the-shelf availability of NK cell therapies.

• Manufacturing Processes: Supporting large-scale production of NK cells.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Fred Aslan, M.D.: President and Chief Executive Officer.

• Neha Krishnamohan: Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Corporate Development.

• Jennifer Bush: Chief Operating Officer.

• Dan Baker, M.D.: Independent Board Member.

Professional Backgrounds and Contributions

• Fred Aslan, M.D.: Over 20 years in biotechnology, leading Artiva since its inception.

• Neha Krishnamohan: Extensive experience in corporate development and finance, transitioning to an advisory role in December 2025.

• Jennifer Bush: Promoted to COO, contributing to operational excellence.

• Dan Baker, M.D.: Brings over two decades of drug development experience, including leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The cell therapy market, particularly for NK and CAR-NK therapies, is rapidly evolving, with significant competition from both large pharmaceutical companies and specialized biotech firms. Artiva's focus on off-the-shelf, allogeneic NK cell therapies positions it to address scalability and accessibility challenges in the market.

Competitor Analysis

• Nkarta Therapeutics: Developing allogeneic NK cell therapies, including NKX019 targeting CD19-positive B-cell malignancies.

• Fate Therapeutics: Advancing induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cell therapies.

• Gilead Sciences: Through its acquisition of Kite Pharma, developing CAR-T therapies.

• Bristol-Myers Squibb: Developing CAR-T therapies, including Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel).

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• GC LabCell: Strategic partner providing NK cell manufacturing technology.

• Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.: Collaboration in therapeutic NK cell development.

• Affimed GmbH: Partnership in NK cell engagers.

Operational Insights

Artiva's manufacturing-first approach and scalable production capabilities provide a competitive edge in delivering off-the-shelf NK cell therapies, potentially reducing costs and improving patient access compared to autologous therapies.