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Sangamo Therapeutics Presents Detailed Data from Registrational STAAR Study in Fabry Disease at International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-09-04 12:05
Core Insights - The data supports the potential of isaralgagene civaparvovec as a one-time, durable treatment for Fabry disease, offering significant multi-organ clinical benefits compared to current care standards [1][6] - The STAAR study showed a positive mean annualized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope at 52 weeks across all patients, which the FDA has agreed will be the primary basis for approval [1][6] - Sangamo plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) in 2026 under the Accelerated Approval pathway [1][6] Efficacy - The STAAR study included 32 dosed patients with a positive mean annualized eGFR slope of 1.965 mL/min/1.73m/year at 52 weeks, which is favorable compared to approved Fabry treatments [4] - At Week 104, a mean annualized eGFR slope of 1.747 mL/min/1.73m/year was observed for 19 patients [4] - Stable cardiac function was maintained over at least one year, with various cardiac metrics remaining stable [4] Safety - Isaralgagene civaparvovec demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with most adverse events being grade 1-2 [12] - The most common treatment-emergent adverse events included pyrexia (60.6%), COVID-19 (36.4%), headache (30.3%), and nasopharyngitis (33.3%) [12] - All treatment-emergent adverse events resolved with clinical management, and there were no safety-related study discontinuations or deaths [12] Regulatory Designations - Isaralgagene civaparvovec has received Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and RMAT designations from the FDA, as well as Orphan Medicinal Product designation from the European Medicines Agency [8] - The company is preparing for BLA submission while engaging in business development for potential commercialization [8] Study Design - The Phase 1/2 STAAR study is a global open-label, single-dose, dose-ranging, multicenter clinical study designed to evaluate isaralgagene civaparvovec in Fabry disease patients [10] - The study enrolled male and female patients, with a median age of 42 and a median follow-up duration of 24 months [7] Quality of Life Improvements - Statistically significant improvements in quality of life scores were observed, including role-physical (+14.8), vitality (+9.6), and bodily pain (+9.0) at week 52 compared to baseline [12] - Improvements in disease severity were reported in the Mainz Severity Score Index, with 22 patients showing total score improvements at 12 months [12]
Krystal Biotech (KRYS) Up 8.5% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?
ZACKS· 2025-09-03 16:31
Core Viewpoint - Krystal Biotech, Inc. has shown a positive performance with an 8.5% increase in shares since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500, but faces concerns regarding future revenue guidance [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported Q2 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of $1.29, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08, and up from $0.93 in the same quarter last year [3]. - Revenues reached $96 million, a 36.6% year-over-year increase, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $91 million, with all revenues derived from Vyjuvek sales [3]. - Despite strong quarterly results, shares fell by 14% due to soft guidance for third-quarter revenues [4]. Product Developments - Vyjuvek, the first-ever revocable gene therapy for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), received FDA approval in 2023 and has secured over 575 reimbursement approvals in the U.S. as of July [5]. - The European Commission approved Vyjuvek for treating DEB-related wounds, with launches planned in Germany and France in Q3 and Q4 respectively [7]. - Vyjuvek was also approved in Japan for DEB treatment, with a target launch before the end of 2025 [7]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses were $14.4 million, down 7.5% year-over-year, while selling, general, and administrative expenses rose to $35.2 million, a 27.2% increase from the previous year [6]. - The company is evaluating KB407 for cystic fibrosis, with four patients enrolled in a study, and expects interim data before year-end [8]. - KB408 is being assessed for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, with positive results reported in a patient from a dose escalation study [9]. Pipeline Progress - Krystal Biotech is advancing multiple candidates, including KB801 for neurotrophic keratitis and KB707 for solid tumors, with ongoing enrollment in various studies [11][12]. - Jeune Aesthetics, a subsidiary, reported positive results for KB304 in treating décolleté wrinkles, leading to its progression into phase II studies [13][14]. Market Outlook - Since the earnings release, there has been a downward trend in estimates, with a consensus estimate shift of -16.13% [15]. - The stock has an average Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of F, and a Value Score of D, resulting in an aggregate VGM Score of F [16]. - Krystal Biotech holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [17][18].
Charles River Stock May Benefit From Joining EASYGEN Consortium
ZACKS· 2025-09-01 15:26
Core Insights - Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL) has joined the EASYGEN Consortium, a European Union-backed initiative aimed at accelerating the production of CAR-T cell therapies, making them more affordable and accessible across Europe [1][9] - The consortium aims to develop a fully automated platform for manufacturing personalized cell therapies within 24 hours [2] - The global CAR T-cell therapy market was valued at $4.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22.2% through 2030, driven by increasing cancer cases and product launches [10] Company Developments - Following the announcement of joining the EASYGEN Consortium, CRL's shares dipped by 0.2%, closing at $163.31 [3] - CRL has a market capitalization of $8.04 billion and an earnings yield of 6.19%, outperforming the industry average of 4.04% [4] - The company has been focusing on oncology, where timely access to CAR-T therapies is critical for treating complex cancers [3][5] Technological Advancements - CRL will utilize its expertise in 3D screening technologies to develop an ex vivo platform for early screening of CAR-T cell therapies, enhancing safety and efficacy [6] - The new 3D screening platform will leverage CRL's patient-derived xenograft (PDX) bank and high-content imaging to identify effective CAR-T cell candidates quickly [6] Market Context - Less than 20% of eligible patients currently receive CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need for improved manufacturing processes to enhance patient access [5] - The lymphoma segment is expected to hold the largest market share in CAR T-cell therapy and be the fastest-growing segment in the coming years [10] Strategic Collaborations - In July, CRL announced a potential collaboration with BioTech Social Inc. to provide funding opportunities for early-stage cell and gene therapy developers, potentially allowing them to raise up to $5 million annually [11]
Can CRSP's In Vivo Pipeline Aid Long-Term Growth Beyond Casgevy?
ZACKS· 2025-08-29 15:26
Core Insights - CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) is the first company to market a CRISPR/Cas9-based therapy, achieving significant success with its gene therapy Casgevy for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia [1][2] - The company is transitioning focus from ex vivo therapies to in vivo candidates, with ongoing phase I studies for CTX310 and CTX320 [2][3] - CTX310 has shown promising results, with reductions of up to 82% in triglycerides and 86% in low-density lipoprotein levels [3][9] Company Developments - Casgevy was developed in partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which leads global development and commercialization, sharing costs and profits in a 60:40 ratio [2] - CRISPR Therapeutics is expanding its pipeline with plans to advance CTX340 and CTX450 into clinical studies by the end of 2025 [4][9] - The company’s efforts to diversify its pipeline beyond Casgevy are seen as a positive move in the emerging gene therapy market [5] Competitive Landscape - Competition exists from chronic therapies like Bristol Myers' Reblozyl and Novartis' Adakveo for the same indications as Casgevy [5] - Other companies, such as Beam Therapeutics and Intellia Therapeutics, are also developing CRISPR-based therapies, which may pose competitive threats [6][7] Financial Performance - CRSP shares have increased by 34.7% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average rise of 3.2% [8] - The company is currently trading at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 2.68, lower than the industry average of 3.10, indicating a potential valuation opportunity [10] - Estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics' loss per share for 2025 have widened from $5.67 to $6.38, while estimates for 2026 have narrowed from $4.42 to $4.02 [11]
PGEN Stock Surges 144% in August on FDA Nod for Rare Lung Disease Drug
ZACKS· 2025-08-25 16:06
Core Insights - Precigen, Inc. (PGEN) shares surged 144.4% in August following FDA approval of Papzimeos for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), marking a significant milestone as the first FDA-approved treatment for adults with this condition [1][6][4] - The drug, developed using Precigen's AdenoVerse platform, is a non-replicating adenoviral vector immunotherapy administered through four subcutaneous injections over 12 weeks, and has received breakthrough therapy and orphan drug designations from the FDA [2][4] - Year-to-date, PGEN's stock has increased by 273.2%, significantly outperforming the industry growth of 4.3% [5] FDA Approval Details - The FDA granted full approval for Papzimeos based on a pivotal phase I/II study, which demonstrated that 51% of patients achieved a complete response, eliminating the need for surgeries for 12 months post-treatment [4][6] - The approval means no confirmatory study is required, which has positively influenced investor sentiment [7] Market Strategy - Precigen plans to launch Papzimeos commercially, emphasizing the establishment of the therapy as the standard of care for adults with RRP [9] - The company has introduced Papzimeos SUPPORT, a patient services platform aimed at facilitating insurance processes and ensuring access to treatment, which is expected to enhance adoption and revenue growth [9] Competitive Landscape - Inovio (INO) is also developing a treatment for RRP, with plans to submit a rolling biologics license application for INO-3107 by the end of the year, supported by positive phase I/II study data [10][12] - Similar to Papzimeos, INO-3107 has received breakthrough therapy and orphan drug designations from the FDA [12]
SAREPTA FINAL DEADLINE ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Reminds Investors that a Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Filed Against Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm Before the August 25th Deadline
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-08-25 16:04
Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. for allegedly misleading investors regarding the safety and revenue outlook of its gene therapy ELEVIDYS, which is intended to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy [1][3]. Company Overview - Sarepta Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing gene therapies, specifically ELEVIDYS, for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy [3]. Allegations and Misleading Statements - The lawsuit claims that Sarepta made materially false and misleading statements about ELEVIDYS, leading investors to believe it was a safe therapy with no hindrances to broader application approval [3]. - Specific allegations include: - ELEVIDYS posed significant safety risks to patients [3]. - Trial protocols failed to detect severe side effects [3]. - Adverse events would lead to halted recruitment and dosing in trials, attracting regulatory scrutiny [3]. - Positive statements made by the company lacked a reasonable basis due to undisclosed material adverse facts [3]. Stock Price Impact - Following a safety update on March 18, 2025, where a patient died after treatment with ELEVIDYS, Sarepta's stock price fell by $27.81 per share, or 27.44%, closing at $73.54 [4]. - On April 4, 2025, after the company disclosed regulatory scrutiny and halted recruitment, the stock price fell by $4.18 per share, or 7.13%, closing at $54.43 [4]. - A second patient death was reported on June 15, 2025, leading to a significant drop of $15.24 per share, or 42.12%, closing at $20.91 [4]. - Following an FDA Safety Communication on June 24, 2025, the stock price fell by $1.52 per share, or 8.01%, closing at $17.46 [4].
RCKT Stock Rises as FDA Lifts Clinical Hold on Danon Disease Study
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:15
Core Viewpoint - Rocket Pharmaceuticals' shares increased by 28.9% after the FDA lifted the clinical hold on its pivotal phase II study for RP-A501, a gene therapy for Danon disease [1][7]. Group 1: Clinical Study Updates - The clinical hold was imposed in May due to a serious adverse event resulting in a patient's death, prompting the company to pause dosing [2]. - The FDA has now allowed the study to resume with a recalibrated lower dose of RP-A501 (3.8 x 10¹³ GC/kg), administered to three patients sequentially with a minimum four-week interval [3]. - Six patients have been treated in the pivotal phase II study, with further updates expected after reviewing data from the next three patients [4]. Group 2: Company Focus and Pipeline - Rocket Pharmaceuticals is prioritizing the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies for rare cardiovascular conditions, with RP-A501 being the most advanced candidate [8]. - The company is also developing another AAV-based candidate, RP-A601, for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and plans to initiate clinical studies for RP-A701 targeting dilated cardiomyopathy [10]. Group 3: Market Performance - Rocket Pharmaceuticals' shares have declined by 70.2% year-to-date, contrasting with a 3% rise in the industry [5].
Insmed To Present at September Investor Conferences
Prnewswire· 2025-08-21 11:00
Company Overview - Insmed Incorporated is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering first- and best-in-class therapies for patients with serious diseases [2][3] - The company is advancing a diverse portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, particularly in pulmonary and inflammatory conditions, with two approved therapies for chronic lung diseases [2] - Insmed's early-stage programs include various technologies such as gene therapy, AI-driven protein engineering, and synthetic rescue [2] Recent Announcements - Insmed announced management will present at investor conferences, including the Wells Fargo 2025 Healthcare Conference on September 5, 2025, and the Morgan Stanley 23rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference on September 9, 2025 [1][4] - The presentations will be webcast live and archived for 30 days on the company's website [1] Company Recognition - Insmed is recognized as one of the best employers in the biopharmaceutical industry, having been named the No. 1 Science Top Employer for four consecutive years [3]
FDA Lifts Rocket Pharmaceuticals Study Hold For Rare Disease Gene Therapy
Benzinga· 2025-08-20 13:31
Core Insights - Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc. experienced a significant increase in stock price following the FDA's decision to lift the clinical hold on its Phase 2 trial for RP-A501 targeting Danon disease [1][5] - The clinical hold was resolved in under three months, allowing the trial to resume with a recalibrated dosing strategy [1][3] Company Developments - The FDA's hold was initially placed due to a patient death linked to an acute systemic infection during the study [2] - Rocket Pharmaceuticals has addressed the FDA's concerns, leading to the resumption of the pivotal study with a new dose of 3.8 x 10¹³ GC/kg of RP-A501 [3][4] - The adjusted dosing aligns with the efficacy observed in the Phase 1 study and aims to ensure safety and efficacy in the ongoing trial [4] Treatment Protocol Adjustments - The revised treatment regimen will discontinue the prophylactic use of a C3 complement inhibitor while retaining sirolimus, rituximab, and steroids [5] - A lower threshold for administering a C5 inhibitor (eculizumab) will be specified to manage complement activation [5] - To date, six patients with Danon disease have been treated in the Phase 2 study with RP-A501 [5]