Atara Plunges on Poor Results from Phase II PINTA 745 Study
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.’s ATRA shares plunged 36.8% after the company announced that a phase II proof-of-concept study on PINTA 745 has failed to meet its primary endpoint. PINTA 745 was being evaluated for the treatment of protein energy wasting (PEW) in patients with end stage renal disease.
Data revealed that at week 12 of a weekly treatment with PINTA 745, did not show a percentage change in Lean Body Mass from baseline as measured by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.
Moreover, the candidate failed to improve physical function, measures of glycemic control and markers of inflammation.
Based on these results, Atara stated that it will suspend further development of the candidate and instead focus on other candidates on its pipeline.
Meanwhile, Atara is evaluating EBV-CTL in two phase II studies for the treatment of patients with Epstein-Barr Virus malignancies. The candidate enjoys a Breakthrough Therapy designation in the U.S. for Rituxan (rituximab) refractory EBV associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT).
Another phase II candidate in the company’s pipeline, CMV-CTL, is being evaluated for the treatment of refractory cytomegalovirus infections that occur in patients who have received an alloHCT.
In addition, the company is evaluating WT1-CTL in two phase I studies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, and STM 434 in a phase I study for the treatment of ovarian cancer and other advanced solid tumors.
Atara currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ACHN, Anika Therapeutics Inc. ANIK and Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated CORT, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
CORCEPT THERAPT (CORT): Free Stock Analysis Report
ACHILLION PHARM (ACHN): Free Stock Analysis Report
ANIKA THERAPEUT (ANIK): Free Stock Analysis Report
ATARA BIOTHERP (ATRA): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
