Atara Biotherapeutics Halves Workforce Amid FDA Setbacks for Key Therapies

Atara Biotherapeutics is cutting its workforce by approximately 50%, affecting around 80 employees14.

The layoffs follow FDA-related setbacks, including a rejection of Ebvallo and a clinical hold on active Investigational New Drug (IND) applications25.

The FDA's actions are linked to manufacturing compliance issues at a third-party facility25.

Atara is halting development activities for two CAR T programs:
ATA3219 and ATA34317.

The company received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA for Ebvallo, citing inspection findings at a third-party manufacturer8.

Atara secured potential funding of $15 million through an equity line of credit from Redmile Group8.

The company reported approximately $43 million in cash and equivalents as of year-end 20248.

Atara remains eligible for a $60 million milestone payment upon FDA approval of Ebvallo8.

The layoffs are expected to be completed by June and cost Atara around $3 million17.

Atara is exploring strategic alternatives, which could include an acquisition, merger, or sale of assets48.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/atara-reeling-fda-hold-ebvallo-lays-half-workforce

2. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/ataras-ebvallo-and-car-t-candidate-put-under-clinical-hold-us-following-manufacturing

4. https://www.biospace.com/job-trends/atara-to-cut-half-its-workforce-following-fda-related-setbacks

5. https://investors.atarabio.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/368/atara-biotherapeutics-provides-update-on-clinical-programs

7. https://www.biospace.com/job-trends/atara-halves-workforce-again-pauses-2-car-t-programs

8. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/ATRA/atara-biotherapeutics-provides-regulatory-and-business-update-on-q4998gv3mghj.html