Natera Stock Tumbles 1.15 as $240M Volume Ranks 394th Amid Phase III Trial Success in Bladder Cancer

Natera (NASDAQ:NTRA) closed August 18 with a 1.15% decline, trading on $240 million in volume that ranked it 394th among U.S. stocks. The biotech firm announced positive phase III clinical trial results for its Signatera ctDNA test in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, showing statistically significant improvements in disease-free and overall survival for patients receiving atezolizumab treatment. The IMvigor011 trial, sponsored by Genentech, demonstrated the test's ability to identify patients with molecular residual disease post-surgery who benefit from immunotherapy. Approximately 760 participants underwent serial testing, with those remaining Signatera-negative showing excellent outcomes without additional treatment.

The trial marks the first prospective phase III study using a personalized ctDNA-guided approach for bladder cancer management. Natera plans to submit a premarket approval application to the FDA for Signatera as a companion diagnostic for atezolizumab treatment. Preliminary data from the study showed 98% overall survival at 18 months for Signatera-negative patients. Principal investigator Professor Thomas Powles highlighted the potential for a new treatment paradigm for patients with molecular recurrence but no visible disease on imaging. Natera also announced plans to present full trial results at an upcoming medical conference.

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