# Artiva Biotherapeutics
Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a San Diego-based biotechnology company, founded in 2019 as a spinout of the South Korean cell therapy company GC Cell, that develops off-the-shelf allogeneic (cells from a donor, not the patient's own) natural killer (NK) cell therapies, and it has been publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol ARTV since July 2024.[1](https://app.edgar.tools/filing/1817241/0000950170-25-043837) • [2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312524209924/d705006d10q.htm) Its lead candidate, AlloNK (also known as AB-101), is a cryopreserved, non-genetically modified NK cell therapy designed to be infused without patient-specific manufacturing, and the company's clinical focus has shifted from cancer toward B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis and rheumatoid arthritis.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2019, as a spinout of GC Cell (formerly GC Lab Cell Corporation), South Korea[1](https://app.edgar.tools/filing/1817241/0000950170-25-043837) |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm) |
| Lead candidate | AlloNK (AB-101), off-the-shelf allogeneic NK cell therapy[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm) |
| Pre-IPO funding | ~$222.4 million: $8.0M convertible notes, $70.0M Series A, $120.0M Series B, $24.4M SAFEs[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312524209924/d705006d10q.htm) |
| IPO | Priced July 18, 2024; 13,920,000 shares at $12.00; ~$167.0M gross, $161.9M net[4](https://investors.artivabio.com/News-and-Events/news/news-details/2024/Artiva-Biotherapeutics-Announces-Pricing-of-Upsized-167.0-Million-Initial-Public-Offering/default.aspx) • [2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312524209924/d705006d10q.htm) |
| Key investors | GC Cell (largest holder); 5AM Ventures, RA Capital, venBio (each ~15% pre-IPO)[5](https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/) |
| Status (2026) | Public and operating; $349.4M cash at June 30, 2026, runway into 2029[6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312526337986/artv-ex99_1.htm) |
## Founding, the GC Cell spinout and leadership
Artiva was created in 2019 through a strategic partnership with GC Cell, formerly GC Lab Cell Corporation, a Korean healthcare company, which granted Artiva exclusive worldwide rights outside the Asia-Pacific region to GC Cell's NK cell manufacturing technology and programs.[1](https://app.edgar.tools/filing/1817241/0000950170-25-043837) GC Cell remained Artiva's largest shareholder heading into the IPO, while the venture firms 5AM Ventures, venBio, and RA Capital each held roughly 15 percent.[5](https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/)
Fred Aslan became CEO in early 2021, about two months before Artiva confidentially filed for its IPO in March 2021; he was previously at [Vividion Therapeutics](https://www.edgepedia.org/vividion-therapeutics) and the venture firm Venrock.[5](https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/)
## The science: off-the-shelf allogeneic NK versus autologous CAR-T
Artiva's approach differs from approved autologous CAR-[T cell](https://www.edgepedia.org/t-cell) therapies. AlloNK is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf, cryopreserved NK cell therapy, made from donor cells in advance and designed to be administered in the community setting rather than a specialized center.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm)
AlloNK is not genetically modified to carry a chimeric antigen receptor. Instead it is designed to enhance the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) effect of monoclonal antibodies, such as the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, to drive depletion of B cells.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm) In a Phase 1/2 trial of AlloNK plus rituximab in relapsed or refractory B-cell non-[Hodgkin lymphoma](https://www.edgepedia.org/hodgkin-lymphoma), as of April 8, 2024 more than two-thirds of patients were not hospitalized within 30 days of dosing, which the company cites as supporting outpatient administration.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm)
At the EULAR 2026 congress, Artiva presented late-breaking data that it says show AlloNK clinical efficacy comparable to autologous CAR-T cell therapy in rheumatologic diseases. This is a company claim presented at a scientific congress, not a head-to-head controlled comparison.[7](https://investors.artivabio.com/News-and-Events/news/news-details/2026/Artiva-Biotherapeutics-Announces-Multiple-AlloNK-Data-Presentations-at-EULAR-2026-Congress-Including-Late-Breaking-Oral-Presentation-Highlighting-Clinical-Efficacy-Comparable-to-Autologous-CAR-T-Cell-Therapy-in-Rheumatologic-Diseases/default.aspx)
## Funding history and IPO
From inception through June 30, 2024, according to the company's [Form 10-Q](https://www.edgepedia.org/form-10-q), Artiva raised $8.0 million from convertible promissory notes, $70.0 million from Series A preferred stock, $120.0 million from Series B preferred stock, and $24.4 million from SAFEs, roughly $222.4 million in total.[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312524209924/d705006d10q.htm) The $120 million Series B in February 2021 was its last major private round before going public.[5](https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/)
On July 18, 2024, Artiva priced an upsized IPO of 13,920,000 shares at $12.00 per share, for expected gross proceeds of about $167.0 million, with trading on the Nasdaq Global Market beginning July 19, 2024 under ARTV.[4](https://investors.artivabio.com/News-and-Events/news/news-details/2024/Artiva-Biotherapeutics-Announces-Pricing-of-Upsized-167.0-Million-Initial-Public-Offering/default.aspx) The offering closed on July 22, 2024, including a partial exercise of the underwriters' option, with aggregate net proceeds of $161.9 million after underwriting discounts and expenses.[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312524209924/d705006d10q.htm)
In May 2026, Artiva completed a follow-on offering with estimated net proceeds of about $280.5 million, which the company said strengthened its balance sheet.[8](https://s203.q4cdn.com/960442723/files/doc_presentations/2026/May/06/Artiva-Corporate-Deck-2026-05-18-postPR-revisions-2.pdf)
## Pipeline, trials and partnerships
AlloNK is currently evaluated in three ongoing clinical trials for B-cell driven autoimmune diseases.[7](https://investors.artivabio.com/News-and-Events/news/news-details/2026/Artiva-Biotherapeutics-Announces-Multiple-AlloNK-Data-Presentations-at-EULAR-2026-Congress-Including-Late-Breaking-Oral-Presentation-Highlighting-Clinical-Efficacy-Comparable-to-Autologous-CAR-T-Cell-Therapy-in-Rheumatologic-Diseases/default.aspx) These include a Phase 1/1b trial in class III/IV lupus nephritis and an investigator-initiated basket trial across autoimmune indications.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm) The company is initiating a Phase 3 registrational trial of AlloNK in refractory rheumatoid arthritis in the second half of 2026.[6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312526337986/artv-ex99_1.htm) Per its May 2026 corporate deck, the planned trial is a single randomized controlled trial of about 150 patients with inadequate response to two or more biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs, dosing AlloNK at 4 billion cells for two doses (Days 6 and 20) plus rituximab.[8](https://s203.q4cdn.com/960442723/files/doc_presentations/2026/May/06/Artiva-Corporate-Deck-2026-05-18-postPR-revisions-2.pdf)
On the cancer side, Artiva has a collaboration with Affimed investigating AlloNK in combination with acimtamig, a CD30-targeted NK cell engager, in a Phase 2 trial in CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma, disclosed in November 2022.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm) • [5](https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/) It also holds ex-APAC rights to the CAR-NK candidates AB-201, targeting HER2, and AB-205, directed at CD5.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm)
A partnership with Merck to work on NK cell therapy, which per an SEC filing could have been worth as much as $1 billion, was lost in October 2023.[5](https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/)
## Manufacturing
Artiva's proprietary platform can generate thousands of doses of cryopreserved, infusion-ready AlloNK from a single cord blood unit, which is the basis of its off-the-shelf economics: one donor donation yields many patient doses.[1](https://app.edgar.tools/filing/1817241/0000950170-25-043837) Production takes place at a 9,000-square-foot, purpose-built GMP cell production center at the company's San Diego headquarters.[3](https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm)
## Recent developments
Three developments mark the period since late 2023. First, the Merck alliance ended in October 2023, removing a collaboration that could have been worth up to $1 billion.[5](https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/) Second, the company went public in July 2024, raising $161.9 million net.[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312524209924/d705006d10q.htm) Third, the clinical program pivoted decisively toward autoimmune disease: by 2026 AlloNK's three ongoing trials were all in B-cell driven autoimmune conditions, EULAR 2026 data were presented, and a Phase 3 rheumatoid arthritis trial was being initiated.[7](https://investors.artivabio.com/News-and-Events/news/news-details/2026/Artiva-Biotherapeutics-Announces-Multiple-AlloNK-Data-Presentations-at-EULAR-2026-Congress-Including-Late-Breaking-Oral-Presentation-Highlighting-Clinical-Efficacy-Comparable-to-Autologous-CAR-T-Cell-Therapy-in-Rheumatologic-Diseases/default.aspx) • [6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312526337986/artv-ex99_1.htm) The May 2026 follow-on offering left the company with $349.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of June 30, 2026, which it expects will fund operations into 2029.[6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312526337986/artv-ex99_1.htm)
## References
1. Artiva Biotherapeutics Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024. https://app.edgar.tools/filing/1817241/0000950170-25-043837
2. Artiva Biotherapeutics Form 10-Q (Q2 2024). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312524209924/d705006d10q.htm
3. Artiva Biotherapeutics Form S-1 (filed June 28, 2024). https://content.edgar-online.com/ExternalLink/EDGAR/0001193125-24-172230.html?hash=fdb847fcfaa53862775cf811f0dc4d4071222e9d80c4b852bc2742c4a475edf5&dest=d808948ds1_htm
4. Artiva Announces Pricing of Upsized $167.0 Million Initial Public Offering (July 18, 2024). https://investors.artivabio.com/News-and-Events/news/news-details/2024/Artiva-Biotherapeutics-Announces-Pricing-of-Upsized-167.0-Million-Initial-Public-Offering/default.aspx
5. Endpoints News: Artiva's IPO raises $167M to fund company's autoimmune and cancer cell therapies. https://endpoints.news/artivas-ipo-raises-167m-to-fund-companys-autoimmune-and-cancer-cell-therapies/
6. Artiva Biotherapeutics Q2 2026 results press release (SEC EX-99.1). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1817241/000119312526337986/artv-ex99_1.htm
7. Artiva Announces AlloNK Data Presentations at EULAR 2026. https://investors.artivabio.com/News-and-Events/news/news-details/2026/Artiva-Biotherapeutics-Announces-Multiple-AlloNK-Data-Presentations-at-EULAR-2026-Congress-Including-Late-Breaking-Oral-Presentation-Highlighting-Clinical-Efficacy-Comparable-to-Autologous-CAR-T-Cell-Therapy-in-Rheumatologic-Diseases/default.aspx
8. Artiva Corporate Deck (May 2026). https://s203.q4cdn.com/960442723/files/doc_presentations/2026/May/06/Artiva-Corporate-Deck-2026-05-18-postPR-revisions-2.pdf
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*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Edited: Oct 11, 2026; Oct 15, 2026*
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