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FDA Issues Second Rejection of Atara’s EBV+ PTLD Therapy Tabelecleucel

Regulators question efficacy evidence from the single-arm ALLELE study.

Overview

  • In a new Complete Response Letter, the FDA said it cannot approve the application in its current form, reversing earlier acceptance of ALLELE as adequate for accelerated approval.
  • The agency concluded the trial’s design, conduct and analysis confound interpretation of efficacy outcomes.
  • FDA reviewers confirmed previously flagged GMP deficiencies were resolved and reported no new safety concerns.
  • Atara disputed the reversal and reported a sharp share-price drop of roughly 50% to 55% on the news.
  • After transferring the BLA to Pierre Fabre in November 2025, the sponsor plans to seek a Type A meeting, which it expects to be granted within 45 days.