On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Novartis AG’s (NYSE:NVS) Itvisma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-brve) for children two years and older, teens, and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The approval makes the gene replacement therapy the first and only one available for this broad population.Itvisma addresses the genetic root cause of SMA. The one-time fixed dose does not need adjustment for age or body weight.The patients with SMA have a confirmed mutation in the survival mot ...

We recently published 10 Market Movers That Made Millionaires in a Week. Scholar Rock Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:SRRK) is one of the best-performing stocks of the past trading week. Scholar Rock saw its share prices climb by 29.2 percent on week-on-week as investors took heart from positive developments for its drug candidate for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In an announcement last week, Scholar Rock Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:SRRK) said that it sat down with the Food and Drug Administration and third-party manu ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q3 2025 with $369.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, reporting operating expenses of $103 million, which includes $18.3 million in non-cash stock-based compensation [24][25] - Excluding stock-based compensation, operating expenses were $85.3 million, reflecting ongoing investments in infrastructure to support regulatory approval and commercial readiness [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on advancing apitegromab for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and has initiated dosing in a phase two OPAL trial for infants and toddlers under the age of two [16][18] - The phase III SAPPHIRE study demonstrated apitegromab's potential to reverse the trajectory of SMA, showing significant benefits in motor function [13][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annual revenue for current SMA treatments is trending to approximately $5 billion globally, indicating a growing demand for treatments [20][21] - There are an estimated 35,000 people with SMA who have received an SMN-targeted therapy and could be eligible for treatment with apitegromab [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a global biotech powerhouse, leveraging its expertise in myostatin biology to deliver transformative therapies for neuromuscular disorders [5][6] - The strategy includes strengthening the balance sheet, adding redundancy to the supply chain, and preparing for a commercial launch of apitegromab [11][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that apitegromab will eventually be approved for SMA, emphasizing the urgency to serve the patient community [7][9] - The regulatory challenges faced are viewed as temporary, with significant opportunities ahead to serve patients [11][18] Other Important Information - The company has secured commercial capacity for a second fill-finish facility, expected to commence in Q1 2026, and anticipates submitting an SBLA for this facility later in 2026 [10][15] - The company is also advancing SRK-439 into clinical development, with an IND cleared by the FDA [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Financing opportunities and operational risks during the transition to a new facility - The company plans to prioritize extending its loan facility for financing, with equity being a last resort [32] - Transitioning to a new facility is expected to be seamless operationally, minimizing risks [34] Question: Confidence in the remediation efforts at the Bloomington facility - Management highlighted the commitment from Novo Nordisk to quality and compliance, expressing optimism about the remediation efforts [40][41] Question: BLA submission strategy and EMA review status - The plan is to submit the BLA after the reinspection of the Bloomington facility, with a decision from the EMA expected by mid-next year [16][49] Question: Timelines for reinspection and potential pivot to a second fill-finish facility - A successful reinspection is crucial, but the company is prepared to pivot to the second facility if necessary [56][57] Question: Disclosure plans regarding the reinspection process - The company will maintain open communication regarding the reinspection timeline and outcomes, sharing material information as it becomes available [74][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q3 2025 with $369.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, reporting $103 million in operating expenses, which includes $18.3 million in non-cash stock-based compensation [24][25] - Excluding stock-based compensation, operating expenses were $85.3 million, reflecting ongoing investments in infrastructure to support regulatory approval and commercial readiness [25] - The company strengthened its balance sheet by adding $141.7 million during the quarter, which included net proceeds of $91.7 million from the sale of approximately 2.8 million shares and a $50 million drawdown from an existing debt facility [25][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on advancing apitegromab for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and has initiated dosing in a phase two OPAL trial evaluating apitegromab in infants and toddlers under the age of two [16][17] - The company is also progressing SRK-439 into clinical development, with plans to initiate a phase one study in healthy volunteers before the end of the year [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global annual revenue for current SMA treatments is trending to approximately $5 billion, indicating a growing demand for treatments in this market [20] - There are an estimated 35,000 people with SMA who have received an SMN-targeted therapy and could be eligible for treatment with apitegromab [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a global biotech powerhouse, leveraging its expertise in myostatin biology to deliver transformative therapies for neuromuscular disorders [5] - The strategy includes executing a strong commercial launch for apitegromab and advancing its pipeline, including a second indication for apitegromab and the development of SRK-439 [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the eventual approval of apitegromab, emphasizing the urgency to serve the SMA community and the commitment to quality and compliance in the remediation efforts at the Bloomington facility [7][8] - The company remains focused on executing its plans with financial discipline, aiming to bring apitegromab to market as rapidly as possible while managing its cash runway effectively [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has secured commercial capacity for a second fill-finish facility, expected to commence in Q1 2026, and anticipates submitting an SBLA for this facility later in 2026 [10][15] - The company is operating with a tight financial plan and has deferred investments in several areas to prioritize strategic initiatives [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Financing opportunities and operational risks during facility transition - Management indicated that the first objective is to bridge financing until approval, with a preference for extending the loan facility before considering equity options [32] - Regarding operational risks, management assured that transitioning between facilities should be seamless, focusing on maintaining consistency in vial configuration and analytical testing [34][35] Question: Confidence in remediation efforts at the Bloomington facility - Management acknowledged the facility's history but expressed confidence in Novo Nordisk's commitment to quality and compliance, highlighting the collaborative efforts in the remediation plan [40][41] Question: BLA submission strategy and EMA review status - The plan is to submit the BLA after the reinspection of the Bloomington facility, with expectations for a decision from the EMA on the marketing authorization application by mid-next year [16][49] Question: Timelines for reinspection and potential pivot to second fill-finish facility - Management stated that a successful reinspection is the goal, and if issues arise, the second fill-finish facility could be pivoted to serve as the primary submission strategy [56][57] Question: Disclosure plans regarding inspection outcomes - Management committed to maintaining open communication regarding important developments, including the outcomes of inspections and any material information related to the facility [74][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q3 2025 with $369.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, reporting $103 million in operating expenses, which includes $18.3 million in non-cash stock-based compensation [21][22] - Operating expenses, excluding stock-based compensation, were $85.3 million, reflecting ongoing investments in infrastructure to support regulatory approval and commercial readiness [21][22] - The company strengthened its balance sheet by adding $141.7 million during the quarter, which included net proceeds of $91.7 million from the sale of approximately 2.8 million shares and a $50 million drawdown from an existing debt facility [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on advancing apitegromab for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and has initiated dosing in a phase two OPAL trial evaluating apitegromab in infants and toddlers under the age of two [14][15] - The company is also progressing SRK-439 into clinical development, with plans to initiate a phase one study in healthy volunteers before the end of the year [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global annual revenue for current SMA treatments is trending to approximately $5 billion, indicating a growing demand for treatments in this market [17] - There are an estimated 35,000 people with SMA who have received an SMN-targeted therapy and could be eligible for treatment with apitegromab [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to bring apitegromab to market as the world's first muscle-targeted therapy for SMA, with a focus on regulatory approval and commercial readiness [17][20] - The company is strategically investing in a second fill-finish facility to ensure redundancy in its supply chain and to support the anticipated launch of apitegromab [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that apitegromab will eventually be approved in the U.S. for patients with SMA, emphasizing the commitment to the SMA community [6][10] - The regulatory challenges faced are viewed as temporary, with significant opportunities ahead to serve patients [10][21] Other Important Information - The company is working closely with Novo Nordisk to ensure the Bloomington facility is ready for reinspection by the end of the year, which is critical for the resubmission of the BLA [7][13] - The company has adjusted its operating plan to defer investments in certain areas while prioritizing key initiatives [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view further financing opportunities? - The company aims to extend its loan facility as the first option for financing, with royalty financing as a secondary option, and equity financing as a last resort [29][30] Question: What operational risks are associated with transitioning between facilities? - The company believes that the transition should be seamless, focusing on maintaining consistency in vial configuration and analytical testing [31][33] Question: How confident is the company in the remediation efforts at the Bloomington facility? - Management expressed confidence in Novo Nordisk's commitment to quality and compliance, highlighting the collaborative efforts to ensure the facility is ready for reinspection [39][40] Question: What is the timeline for the reinspection and potential approval? - The company expects the reinspection to occur by the end of the year, with plans to resubmit the BLA following a successful inspection [52][55] Question: Will the company disclose information regarding the reinspection? - The company plans to maintain open communication and disclose important information as it becomes available, particularly regarding the reinspection timeline and outcomes [75][78]

Core Insights - Earnings season presents opportunities for lesser-known companies to gain attention, with three stocks highlighted for potential comebacks if their earnings reports are favorable [2] Company Overview - Scholar Rock Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: SRRK) is a biotech firm focused on developing protein therapeutics for neuromuscular diseases [3] - The lead asset, apitegromab, targets Type 2 and Type 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and has shown promising Phase 3 data, indicating strong potential for regulatory approval in 2026 [4] Financial Performance - Scholar Rock's shares have declined approximately 33% year-to-date due to manufacturing site issues, raising short-term concerns [4] - The company is projected to report a loss per share of 76 cents for the third quarter, with no revenue expected yet [6] Clinical Development - A Phase 2 study of apitegromab demonstrated over 54% lean mass preservation compared to control when combined with GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide, indicating the drug's therapeutic promise [5] - Investors should look for updates on apitegromab and other drugs in the pipeline during the upcoming earnings report [6] Market Sentiment - Quarterly earnings reports can significantly impact share prices, with Scholar Rock, along with Globant and NiCE, being identified as companies that may see a rebound if they deliver strong earnings [7]

Group 1 - Scholar Rock's share price fell over 13% due to a potential delay in an important submission, contrasting with a 1.6% gain in the S&P 500 [1] - The FDA has designated Scholar Rock's third-party manufacturing facility, Catalent Indiana, as Official Action Indicated (OAI), indicating recommended regulatory actions [2][3] - Catalent Indiana, owned by Novo Nordisk, serves as a third-party manufacturer for various biotech and pharmaceutical companies, including Scholar Rock and Regeneron [4] Group 2 - Scholar Rock faced a setback when the FDA rejected its biologics license application (BLA) for the apitegromab drug for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) [5] - The company plans to continue collaboration with Novo Nordisk and will provide further updates during its third-quarter earnings call [6]

Group 1 - U.S. stocks experienced an upward trend, with the Dow Jones index increasing by over 200 points on Friday [1] - Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. saw a significant stock price increase of 23.7%, reaching $44.41, following FDA approval of PALSONIFY [1] - Baird and JMP Securities raised their price targets for Crinetics Pharmaceuticals [1] Group 2 - Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc. stock rose by 21.2% to $6.38 [3] - Perpetua Resources Corp. increased by 18% to $22.43 after providing an update on securing the American antimony supply chain [3] - Robo.ai Inc. gained 14% to $2.77 [3] - Quantum Computing Inc. saw a 13% increase to $23.15 [3] - SkyWater Technology, Inc. shares jumped 12% to $17.23 [3] - Scholar Rock Holding Corporation surged 10.8% to $38.23, despite receiving a Complete Response Letter from the FDA regarding its treatment for spinal muscular atrophy [3] - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. gained 9.2% to $5.24 [3] - New Found Gold Corp. rose 9.1% to $2.3347, confirming high-grade core in its sampling program [3] - Gorilla Technology Group Inc. increased by 7% to $20.10 after signing a $1.4 billion deal for AI data centers in Southeast Asia [3] - BlackBerry Limited rose 6.6% to $4.9596 after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter EPS and sales, along with raising its FY2026 adjusted EPS guidance [3] - Carpenter Technology Corporation increased by 6.6% to $247.84 [3]

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].

Group 1 - Scholar Rock (NASDAQ: SRRK) stock experienced a price increase of over 6% following the initiation of coverage by analyst Mani Foroohar from Leerink Partners, who rated the stock as an outperform with a price target of $51 per share, indicating a potential growth of more than 51% from its recent closing price [1][2] - The company's leading investigational drug, apitegromab, targets spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and is currently under review for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) [3][5] - Foroohar highlighted the strength of Scholar Rock's team, noting it as the most experienced in the commercialization of rare diseases among the healthcare stocks he covers [4] Group 2 - If Scholar Rock secures approval for apitegromab, it would be well-positioned for success, although effective rollout and marketing of the new medicine are crucial for achieving that success [5] - Despite the positive outlook, Scholar Rock was not included in a list of the top 10 stocks identified by The Motley Fool Stock Advisor, which suggests that there may be other investment opportunities with potentially higher returns [6][8]