Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)

Registration No. 333-190196

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT NO. 8

(To Prospectus dated September 18, 2013)

2,298,412 Shares

Tengion, Inc.

This Prospectus Supplement No. 8 supplements the prospectus dated September 18, 2013 (as supplemented to date, the “Prospectus”), which forms a part of our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 333-190196). The Prospectus and this prospectus supplement relate to the disposition from time to time of up to 2,298,412 shares of our common stock, which are held or may be held by the stockholders named in the Prospectus.

This prospectus supplement should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, which is to be delivered with this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement updates, amends and supplements the information included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in the Prospectus and this prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.

This prospectus supplement is not complete without, and may not be delivered or utilized except in connection with, the Prospectus, including any amendments or supplements to it.

Current Report on Form 8-K

On March 27, 2014, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The text of such Form 8-K is attached hereto.

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 20 of the Prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus supplement is March 27, 2014.