Artiva Biotherapeutics to cease operations after two deaths in autoimmune cell therapy trials

Artiva Biotherapeutics announced it will wind down and lay off nearly all staff following two patient fatalities in its autoimmune cell therapy trials.

The deaths occurred during clinical testing of an experimental cell‑based treatment aimed at autoimmune diseases. The company said the incidents prompted a reassessment of the program and led to the decision to cease operations.

The abrupt shutdown underscores the risks inherent in early‑stage cell therapy development and may affect investor confidence in similar biotech ventures.