Core Insights - Artiva Biotherapeutics has appointed Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive experience in capital allocation and operational execution to support the company's growth in cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancers [1][2]. Company Overview - Artiva Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing safe and effective cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases and cancers [1][6]. - The company's lead program, AlloNK, is an allogeneic NK cell therapy designed to enhance the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies for B-cell depletion [6]. Leadership Appointment - Thad Huston has over 30 years of global leadership experience in finance, commercial strategy, and operations within the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors [2]. - Huston previously served as CFO and COO at Galapagos, leading the company's transition to an oncology-focused cell therapy organization [2]. Inducement Grant - Artiva's Board of Directors approved an employment inducement grant of 220,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Huston, which will vest over four years [3][4]. - The grant is contingent upon the filing of a registration statement to register the shares under Artiva's 2025 Inducement Plan [4][5]. Clinical Development - AlloNK is currently being evaluated in three clinical trials targeting B-cell driven autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's disease [6]. - The company is preparing to receive feedback from the FDA regarding a potential pivotal trial and plans to share clinical efficacy data in rheumatoid arthritis in the first half of the year [2]. Strategic Positioning - Artiva aims to position itself for sustained growth by leveraging Huston's financial discipline and operational rigor as it approaches key clinical and regulatory milestones [2].
Artiva Biotherapeutics Announces Appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer and Award of Inducement Grant