Scholar Rock's Spinal Muscular Atrophy Drug Faces FDA Delay Over Catalent Indiana Inspection

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. FDA issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for Scholar Rock's apitegromab Biologics License Application (BLA) due to observations from a routine inspection of Catalent Indiana LLC, which is not specific to the drug itself [1][2]. Group 1: FDA Response and Observations - The CRL did not raise any concerns regarding the efficacy and safety data of apitegromab or the third-party drug substance manufacturer [2]. - Catalent Indiana submitted a comprehensive response to the FDA's observations in early August 2025 and is actively working on corrective actions [4]. - Scholar Rock plans to resubmit the apitegromab BLA following Catalent Indiana's remediation of the FDA observations [4]. Group 2: Market Authorization and Future Plans - Outside the U.S., the apitegromab marketing authorization application (MAA) is under review by the European Medicines Agency, with a decision expected by mid-2026 [5]. - The European launch of apitegromab is anticipated in the second half of 2026, with Germany expected to be the first market for patient access [5]. Group 3: Related Industry Developments - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals anticipates delays in regulatory approvals for its EYLEA HD applications due to observations from an FDA inspection at Catalent Indiana, which also affects Scholar Rock [6]. - Scholar Rock's stock price increased by 1.24% to $32.99 following the news [7].