Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atara and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Segment and Geographic Information

We operate and manage our business as one operating and reportable segment, which is the business of developing therapeutics. Our Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, reviews financial information on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. Substantially all of our assets are located in the U.S.

Of the $63.6 million license and collaboration revenue recognized in 2022, $61.8 million related to our agreements with Bayer, a German company, and $1.8 million related to our agreements with Pierre Fabre, a French company.

Use of Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The level of uncertainty in estimates and assumptions increases with the length of time until the underlying transactions are completed. Significant estimates and assumptions relied upon in preparing these financial statements include those related to revenue recognition, accrued research and development expenses, stock-based compensation expense and income taxes. Additionally, we use available market information to assess the fair value of our short-term investments. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. If actual amounts differ from estimates, we include the updates in our consolidated results of operations in the period the actual amounts become known. Historically, the aggregate differences, if any, between our estimates and actual amounts in any year have not had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity Risk

We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and have relied primarily on public and private equity financings and receipts from commercialization and license and collaboration agreements to fund our operations. As we continue to incur losses, our transition to profitability will depend on the successful development, approval and commercialization of product candidates and on the achievement of sufficient revenues to support our cost structure. We may never achieve sustained operating cash inflows or profitability. We expect that existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2022 , together with the $40.0 million received in January 2023 for achievement of certain milestones under the Pierre Fabre Commercialization Agreement, will be sufficient to fund our planned operations for at least the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements. However, the uncertainties inherent in Atara’s future operations and in our ability to obtain additional funding may raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern in future reporting periods. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Although we have been successful in raising capital in the past, and expect to continue to raise capital as required, there is no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining additional funding on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding on acceptable terms, we could be forced to delay, limit, reduce or terminate preclinical studies, clinical studies or other development activities for one or more of our product candidates.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Uncertainties

We place cash and cash equivalents in the custody of financial institutions that management believes are of high credit quality, the amount of which at times, may be in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We also make short-term investments in money market funds; U.S. Treasury, government agency and corporate debt obligations; commercial paper; certificates of deposit; and asset-backed securities, which can be subject to certain credit risk. However, we mitigate the risks by investing in high-grade instruments, limiting our exposure to any one issuer and monitoring the ongoing creditworthiness of the financial institutions and issuers.

Currency Translation

Transactions and monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate on the transaction date and as of each balance sheet date, respectively, with gains or losses on foreign exchange changes recognized in interest and other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2022 were not material.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase.

Investments with original maturities of greater than 90 days are classified as short-term investments on the balance sheet.

As our entire investment portfolio is considered available for use in current operations, we classify all investments as available-for-sale and as current assets, even though the stated maturity may be more than one year from the current balance sheet date. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.

The amortized cost of securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, which are both recorded to interest and other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities impact the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss only when such securities are sold, if an allowance for credit losses is recognized or if an impairment is recognized. Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined by specific identification of each security’s cost basis. We regularly review our investment portfolio to determine if any security is impaired, which would require us to record an allowance for credit losses or impairment charge in the period any such determination is made. In making this judgment, we evaluate, among other things, the duration and extent to which the fair value of a security is less than its cost, our intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, and, as necessary, the portion of a decline in fair value that is credit-related. This assessment could change in the future due to new developments or changes in assumptions related to any particular security. Realized gains and losses, allowances for credit losses and impairments on available-for-sale securities, if any, are recorded to interest and other income, net in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

Fair Value Measurement

The carrying amounts of certain of our financial instruments including cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Short-term investments are comprised of available-for-sale securities, which are carried at fair value.

Financial Instruments

Our financial assets are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the following hierarchy to prioritize valuation inputs, in accordance with applicable GAAP:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves

Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable data points that are not corroborated by market data

We review the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels of certain securities within the fair value hierarchy. We recognize transfers into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy in the period in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. There have been no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 in any periods presented.

Financial assets and liabilities are considered Level 2 when their fair values are determined using inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data such as pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, cash flow models with yield curves, and benchmark securities. In addition, Level 2 financial instruments are valued using comparisons to like-kind financial instruments and models that use readily observable market data as their basis. U.S. Treasury, government agency and corporate debt obligations, commercial paper and asset-backed securities are valued primarily using market prices of comparable securities, bid/ask quotes, interest rate yields and prepayment spreads and are included in Level 2.

Financial assets and liabilities are considered Level 3 when their fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. We have no Level 3 financial assets or liabilities.

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable are recorded net of estimates of variable consideration for which reserves are established and which result from discounts and chargebacks that are offered within contracts between us and a limited number of specialty pharmacies and a specialty distributor in the United States. These reserves are classified as reductions of accounts receivable.

We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts using the current expected credit loss model, or CECL model. Under the CECL model, the allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the net amount expected to be collected from the accounts receivable. We evaluate the collectability of these cash flow based on the asset’s amortized cost, the risk of loss even when that risk is remote, losses over an asset’s contractual life, and other relevant information available to us. Accounts receivable balances are written off against the allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be collected. Given the nature and history of our accounts receivable, we determined that an allowance for doubtful accounts was not required as of the periods presented.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, on a specific identification basis. We use actual costs to determine our cost basis for inventories. Inventories consist of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods. Finished goods inventories in excess of one year of forecasted sales are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as non-current “Other assets.”

We begin capitalizing costs as inventory when the product candidate receives regulatory approval and when the manufacturing facility producing such inventory is qualified by the relevant regulatory agency. Prior to regulatory approval and qualification, we record such production costs related to product candidates as research and development expenses. Any manufactured product that is available for commercial sale is recorded to inventory; to the extent it is later used for clinical studies, such inventory costs are then recorded within research and development expenses.

We periodically assess the recoverability of our inventory and reduce the carrying value of the inventory when items are determined to be obsolete, defective or in excess of forecasted sales requirements. Inventory write-downs for excess, defective and obsolete inventory are recorded as a cost of sales. There have been no write-downs of our inventories for the periods presented.

Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to five years, except for leasehold improvements, which are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvement or the lease term. Costs incurred to acquire, construct or install property and equipment during the construction stage of a capital project or costs incurred to purchase and develop internal use software during the application development stage are recorded as construction in progress. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

Long-lived Assets

We evaluate the carrying amount of our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than the carrying amount of the asset. To date, there have been no such impairment losses.

Asset Retirement Obligation (“ARO”)

An ARO is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of long-lived assets pertaining to leasehold improvements. These liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and the related asset retirement costs are capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related assets by the same amount as the liability. Asset retirement costs are subsequently depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company records period-to-period changes in the ARO liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows. The Company derecognizes ARO liabilities when the related obligations are settled.

Leases

We determine if a contract is or contains a lease at contract inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Our policy is to not recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for short-term operating leases with terms of 12 months or less; we recognize short-term lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Long-term operating lease ROU assets and long-term operating lease liabilities are presented separately and operating lease liabilities payable in the next twelve months are recorded in other current liabilities. Finance lease ROU assets are recorded in other assets and the related finance lease liabilities are presented in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities.

Lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The lease term includes renewal options that we are reasonably certain of exercising as of the commencement date. None of the lease terms used to calculate the future minimum lease payments at commencement date include renewal options. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The incremental borrowing rate for our leases is determined based on lease term and currency in which lease payments are made, adjusted for impacts of collateral. Lease assets also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Operating lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance lease assets are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the asset’s estimated useful life.

Our facilities and equipment operating leases have lease and non-lease components and we have made a policy election to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

We are considered the sub-lessor for certain of our leases where we have entered into a sub-lease agreement with or have assigned our lease to another party. Rental income was not material for any period presented and we record rental income as a reduction to rent expense within operating expenses.

Accruals of Research and Development Costs

We record accruals for estimated research and development costs based on an evaluation of our vendors’ progress towards completion of specific tasks, using data such as patient enrollment, clinical site activations or information provided to us by our vendors regarding their actual costs incurred. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of individual contracts and payment timing may differ significantly from the period in which the services are performed. We determine accrual estimates through reports from and discussions with internal personnel and outside service providers as to the progress or state of completion of studies, or the services completed. Our estimates of accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date are based on the facts and circumstances known at the time. Costs that are paid in advance of performance are deferred as a prepaid expense and amortized over the period in which the services are provided.

Sale of Future Revenues

To the extent that we account for the sale of future revenues as debt in accordance with ASC 470, we amortize the liability and recognize interest expense related to the sale of future revenues using the effective interest rate method over the estimated life of the underlying agreement. The liability and related interest expense are based on our current estimate of expected future payments over the life of the arrangement. We will re-assess the amount and timing of expected payments each reporting period using a combination of internal projections and forecasts from external resources and record interest expense on the carrying value of the liability using the imputed effective interest rate on a prospective basis.

Revenue Recognition

For contracts that are determined to be within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all subsequent amendments (collectively, “ASC 606”), revenue is recognized as we satisfy performance obligations and when a customer obtains control of the promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods and services. To achieve this core principle, we apply the following five steps (i) identify the contract with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation. We only apply the five-step model to contracts when we determine that collection of substantially all consideration for goods and services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration.

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods and services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct and are distinct in the context of the contract. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised goods and services, we apply judgment to determine whether promised goods and services are both capable of being distinct and distinct in the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met, the promised goods and services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, we estimate the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method, depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in our judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Any estimates, including the effect of the constraint on variable consideration, are evaluated at each reporting period for any changes. Determining the transaction price requires significant judgment, which is discussed in further detail for our out-license agreements in Note 5. Our out-license agreements do not contain a significant financing component.

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis unless the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation. The consideration to be received is allocated among the separate performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices. We typically determine standalone selling prices using an expected cost plus margin approach model.

We satisfy performance obligations either over time or at a point in time. Revenue is recognized over time if either (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance, (ii) our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced or (iii) our performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the entity and we have an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. We evaluate the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjust the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. If we do not satisfy a performance obligation over time, the related performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time by transferring control of a promised good or service to a customer.

As of December 31, 2022, our deferred revenue is related to the Pierre Fabre Commercialization Agreement, which is within the scope of ASC 606. As discussed in further detail in Note 5, the terms of these arrangements include potential payments to us for some or all of the following: nonrefundable, upfront fees; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments; research and development funding payments; and royalties on the net sales of licensed products. These payments relate to promised goods or services for which revenue will be recognized upon our satisfaction of the underlying performance obligations.

Licenses of intellectual property: If the license of our intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in an arrangement, we recognize revenues from consideration allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are combined with other promises, we utilize judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue.

Upfront payments: Upfront payments and fees are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt or when due and may require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until we have satisfied our obligations under these arrangements.

Milestone payments: At the inception of each arrangement that includes development milestone payments, we evaluate the probability of reaching the milestones and estimates the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur in the future, the associated milestone value is included in the transaction price. The transaction price is then allocated to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis, for which we recognize revenue as or when the performance obligations under the contract are satisfied. At the end of each subsequent reporting period, we re-evaluate the probability of achievement of such development milestones and any related constraint and, if necessary, adjusts its estimate of the overall transaction price. Any such adjustments are recorded on a cumulative catch-up basis, which would affect license and collaboration revenues and the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss in the period of adjustment.

Royalties: For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on levels of sales, if the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we recognize revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied, or partially satisfied. To date, we have not recognized any royalty revenue resulting from our out-licensing agreements.

Certain judgments affect the application of our revenue recognition policy. For example, we record short-term and long-term deferred revenue based on our best estimate of when such revenue will be recognized. Short-term deferred revenue consists of amounts that are expected to be recognized as revenue in the next 12 months, and long-term deferred revenue consists of amounts that we do not expect will be recognized in the next 12 months. This estimate is based on our forecasted patient demand and current operating plan and, if patient demand or our operating plan should change in the future, we may recognize a different amount of deferred revenue over the next 12-month period.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense consists of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including compensation and benefits for research and development employees; expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations and investigative sites that conduct clinical and preclinical studies; expense incurred under agreements with contract manufacturing organizations related to acquiring and manufacturing clinical study materials and other supplies to support the manufacture of our product candidates; payments under licensing and research and development agreements; other outside services and consulting costs, and facilities, information technology and overhead expenses. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

We account for stock-based compensation expense, including the expense of restricted common stock awards (“RSAs”), grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and stock options that may be settled in shares of our common stock, based on the fair values of the equity instruments issued. The fair value is determined on the measurement date, which is generally the date of grant. The fair value of our RSUs is measured at the closing market price of our common stock on the measurement date. The fair value for our stock option awards is determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

In determining the fair value of stock option awards granted, we use the Black-Scholes valuation model and assumptions include:

Expected term – We derived the expected term using the “simplified” method (the expected term is determined as the average of the time-to-vesting and the contractual life of the options), as we have limited historical information to develop expectations about future exercise patterns and post vesting employment termination behavior.

Expected volatility – Prior to 2021, expected volatility was estimated using comparable public companies’ volatility for similar terms. Beginning in 2021, volatility is estimated using an average of Atara’s historical volatility and comparable public companies’ volatility for similar terms.

Expected dividend – We have not historically declared or paid dividends to our stockholders and have no plans to pay dividends; therefore, we assumed an expected dividend yield of 0%.

Risk-free interest rate – The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities with the expected term of the associated award.

For awards with performance-based vesting criteria, we assess the probability of the achievement of the performance conditions at the end of each reporting period and begin to recognize the share-based compensation costs when it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be met. For awards that are subject to both service and performance conditions, no expense is recognized until it is probable that performance conditions will be met. Stock-based compensation expense for awards with time-based vesting criteria is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense for awards with performance and other vesting criteria is recognized as expense under an accelerated graded vesting model. We account for forfeitures of stock-based awards as they occur.

Defined Contribution Plan

We have one qualified 401(k) plan covering all eligible employees. Under the plan, employees may contribute up to the statutory allowable amount for any calendar year. We make matching contributions, equal to 50% of each dollar contributed up to the first 6% of an individual’s eligible earnings, up to the annual IRS maximum. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 we recorded matching contributions of approximately $2.3 million, $2.6 million, and $2.1 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Based on the available evidence, we are unable, at this time, to support the determination that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be utilized in the future. Accordingly, we recorded a full valuation allowance as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. We intend to maintain valuation allowances until sufficient evidence exists to support their reversal.

Tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions are recognized when it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained during an audit. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included within the provision for income tax.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as a change in equity of a business enterprise during a period resulting from transactions from non-owner sources. Our other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised solely of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and is presented net of taxes. There have not been any material reclassifications from other comprehensive income (loss) to net loss recorded during any period presented.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

We consider the applicability and impact of any recent ASU issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Based on our assessment, the ASUs were determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements.