Artiva initiated a mid-2025 basket study across four autoimmune indications and in October prioritized rheumatoid arthritis as its lead, citing a major unmet need in later-line patients. The shift follows initial lupus nephritis work and aims to capture a segment where response rates fall below 20% after two targeted therapies.

The company reports $123 million in cash, providing funding through Q2 2027, and plans FDA interactions in the first half of 2026 to discuss pivotal trial design. Artiva targets presenting RA data on at least 15 patients during H1 2026 as a key upcoming catalyst.

Artiva’s non-genetic allogeneic NK cell platform uses antibody-mediated targeting of B cells, sourcing selected umbilical cord units to produce thousands of cryopreserved, infusion-ready vials per unit. The San Diego facility can treat ~1,000 patients with a projected cost of goods under $1,000 per vial in a one-and-done regimen.

In the first 32 autoimmune patients treated, Artiva observed no cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity, only one hospitalization for an ear infection, and infection rates aligned with rituximab. Most treatments occurred in community infusion chairs, supporting feasibility of broader administration outside academic centers.