Cell & Gene Therapies
The company’s failure to show its potency assays measured attributes directly related to the mesenchymal stromal cell product’s therapeutic effect highlights the importance of a robust CMC program for complex cell therapies.
Agency staff repeatedly said the BLA based on a single-arm study in 55 patients lacked substantial evidence of effectiveness in steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease and a randomized trial was needed, but changed course “based on additional consideration” after a second CRL.
The Pink Sheet’s Drug Review Profile looks at the timeline for the clinical development and US FDA review of Mesoblast’s remestemcel for graft-versus-host disease.
PhRMA questioned whether proof-of-concept studies are needed before an INTERACT meeting and said a draft guidance describing the timing of definitive toxicology studies creates confusion.
Ascertaining the novelty and benefits of Makary’s new drug approval idea – along with what it would take to implement it – requires more clarity on the types of studies he envisions being used to grant and confirm “plausible mechanism’ approvals.
A new chapter that will be published in the European Pharmacopoeia soon is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for the production and quality control of cell-based preparations. Meanwhile, an existing chapter has been revised to facilitate the implementation of rapid microbiological testing methods.
India is pressing ahead with “big shifts” in its regulatory approach for cell and gene therapies. Reduced “layers of review”, tighter internal timelines, upcoming guidelines to facilitate CGT development and reforms in the constitution of expert committees are some of the key changes.
Japan's trade ministry is providing new support to build domestic capacity for new modalities including cell and gene therapies, as part of wider efforts to support the national bioventure ecosystem.
US-based Colossal Labs has claimed to bring back the dire wolf from extinction. While the science is not as dramatic in India yet, cell and gene therapies are making progress as treatments for cancer and other diseases. Pink Sheet takes a look at what is driving CGT success and growth.
Cell and gene therapy manufacturers must consider the practicalities of their product within the context of a health care system before it comes onto the market to be successful, experts from Novartis, AstraZeneca and England’s National Health Service say.
A risk-based approach to human cell therapies and tissue-based products could incentivize development and prevent bad actors from taking advantage of the current FDA system.
Experts working in the advanced therapy space say the US has less strict criteria for regulatory pathways for cell and gene therapies than the EU, particularly for products in early development.
Not all companies will be able to access joint scientific consultations under the EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation, but success is still possible for those that engage with national agencies early on, says EUCOPE’s Alexander Natz.
Payers and health technology assessment bodies in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy are either unwilling to use real-world data in assessments or cannot due to their existing frameworks, say representatives from Gilead Sciences and Autolus Therapeutics.
Pink Sheet reporter and editors discuss the early retirement and buyout offers to FDA employees and significant agency departures in the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and chief counsel’s office as a new commissioner moved closer to confirmation.
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Peter Marks expects no fundamental changes in support for FDA initiatives and said the Rare Disease Innovation Hub, which promotes cross-center collaboration, is “consistent with what we're hearing in the current environment.”
Among those now leaving the US FDA’s biologics center is Lola Fashoyin-Aje, who was considered a rising star at the agency when she became director of the Office of Therapeutic Products’ Office of Clinical Evaluation in 2024.
US FDA Commissioner nominee Martin Makary’s 6 March Senate confirmation hearing should offer insight on his alignment with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s views and willingness to insulate the FDA from an unusual level of micromanagement by the department and White House.
The FY 2024 fourth quarter had the highest number of formal meetings cancelled because written responses were sufficient since the beginning of FY 2018.
The European Medicines Agency has recommended in favor of approving four new products, and has also reaffirmed its positive opinion for the Alzheimer’s disease drug, Leqembi.