Artiva Biotherapeutics begins winding down after two fatalities in autoimmune cell therapy trial

Artiva Biotherapeutics disclosed that it will wind down its activities after two participants in its Phase 2 trial of an NK cell therapy for autoimmune disorders died. The first death involved a neurological complication that occurred after the patient received the cell infusion, but investigators concluded the fatal event was likely tied to the chemotherapy administered beforehand to reduce white blood cells. The second death happened roughly two months post-treatment; researchers found no connection to the therapy itself, yet the exact cause has not been identified.

The company, headquartered in San Diego, said it will halt further work on the study and begin winding down its operations. This marks another safety setback in the emerging field of autoimmune cell therapies.