Capricor Therapeutics
NEWS
Awaiting a decision on Nov. 22 for its embattled Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell therapy deramiocel, Capricor has reduced its workforce by 10% and slowed programs not directly related to deramiocel, the biotech revealed in its third quarter earnings report.
Less than two weeks away from a highly anticipated FDA ruling on its cell therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Capricor Therapeutics has reported increased investment in its San Diego plant to support commercial production.
Last month, the FDA committed to designing a “fit-for-purpose” framework for regulating rare disease therapies based on patient need and realistically attainable evidence. With the upcoming decision for Capricor’s Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell therapy deramiocel, this paradigm faces its first key test.
Also lined up are target action dates for Sanofi’s Gaucher disease therapy, GSK’s lung cancer medicine and BridgeBio’s muscular dystrophy drug.
FDA extends its review of Capricor Therapeutics’ Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell therapy as an unhappy shareholder advocates for change; Merck and Moderna tout positive data for their mRNA-based cancer vaccine; Trump nominates White House aide Heidi Overton as FDA commissioner; and the oral obesity market heats up with rivals Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk going head-to-head.
Following a tumultuous stretch under ex-Commissioner Marty Makary, current FDA leadership is working to restore reliability, integrity and transparency to the agency—but experts say that doesn’t necessarily mean an easier regulatory road for drugmakers.
Kaos Capital in a letter to other Capricor Therapeutics shareholders called for “an immediate meeting, board change, and capital-preservation plan.” The biotech recently put all other pipeline work on pause as it awaits an Aug. 22 PDUFA date for embattled cell therapy deramiocel.
Capricor Therapeutics’ CEO Linda Marbán believes the FDA is willing to work with the biotech as the Aug. 22 deadline approaches for its Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell therapy deramiocel, with the biotech’s stock climbing 68% on the update.
The FDA has been trying to mend fences with rare disease drug developers and patient groups since the departure of former Commissioner Marty Makary three months ago. But advisory committee meetings last week for Replimune and Capricor Therapeutics only created more confusion and frustration.
JOBS
IN THE PRESS