Atara Bio’s PINTA 745 Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Alters Fat Metabolism in Mice Fed With a High Fat Diet

Preclinical Data Published in the International Journal of Obesity

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 05, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATRA), a biopharmaceutical company with a focus on developing innovative therapies for patients with debilitating diseases, today announced the publication of preclinical data that provide insight into the pharmacology of its clinical stage anti-myostatin peptibody, PINTA 745.

In the International Journal of Obesity, investigators from Baylor College of Medicine utilized a high fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse model of obesity and type II diabetes to evaluate the effects of myostatin inhibition using PINTA 745.

The paper is available at the following web location:
http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/vaop/naam/index.html#05102015

"The data published today further clarify the molecular mechanisms of PINTA 745’s pharmacology.  The ongoing phase 2 clinical trial with PINTA 745 includes collection of preliminary data on insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and body composition in patients with End-Stage Renal Disease,” said Christopher Haqq, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Atara Bio. “We intend to further explore the role of myostatin inhibition in glucose and fat metabolism.”

About PINTA 745

PINTA 745 is a peptibody that binds myostatin and inhibits its corresponding signal transduction, thereby blocking the negative regulation of skeletal muscle growth. Atara Bio is conducting a Phase 2 trial in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who are also suffering from protein energy wasting (PEW) at six US-based sites. PEW refers to a state of muscle wasting, inflammation and malnutrition that increases patients’ risk for infections, cardiovascular disease and other complications. The company believes that patients with PEW may benefit from the muscle building demonstrated in earlier clinical trials and anti-inflammatory properties of PINTA 745 demonstrated in preclinical studies. The clinical trial was designed to provide initial safety and efficacy data in dialysis patients with ESRD.

About Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with debilitating diseases. Atara Bio’s programs include molecularly targeted product candidates and T-cell product candidates. Molecularly targeted product candidates include PINTA 745, STM 434 and ATA 842. These product candidates target myostatin and activin, members of the TGF-beta family of proteins, and have demonstrated the potential to have therapeutic benefit in a number of clinical indications. T-cell product candidates include EBV-CTL, CMV-CTL and WT1-CTL.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains or may imply “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Atara Bio’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of Atara Bio could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. For example, forward-looking statements include statements regarding reporting of preliminary top-line data by the end of this year and the evaluation of the data to guide future development of PINTA 745.These forward-looking statements are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Atara Bio’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 6, 2015, including the documents incorporated by reference therein and subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Atara Bio disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

INVESTOR & MEDIA CONTACT:

Tina Gullotta
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.
650-741-1613
tgullotta@atarabio.com

Released October 5, 2015