Atara Biotherapeutics sinks as FDA rejects cancer drug application

Atara Biotherapeutics

12/01/2026 13:22

** Shares of drugmaker Atara Biotherapeutics ATRA.O fall 49% to $6.91 premarket

** Co says U.S. FDA has rejected its application to market Ebvallo, a treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer linked to the Epstein-Barr virus in patients who have received organ transplants

** FDA said main trial was insufficient to prove effectiveness; had earlier indicated single-arm trial was acceptable - ATRA

** No safety or manufacturing concerns raised, co says; plans meeting with FDA to discuss next steps

** Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus that can cause infections and, in rare cases, lead to certain cancers

** As of last close, stock up ~36% over the past year

 (Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

 ((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))