- Graphite Bio Inc GRPH voluntarily paused the Phase 1/2 CEDAR study of nulabeglogene autogedtemcel (nula-cel) for sickle cell disease (SCD) following a serious adverse event in the first patient dosed with nula-cel.
- The company concluded that the event is likely related to the study treatment.
- As a result, the company will not meet its guidance for initial proof-of-concept data in mid-2023.
- Related: BMO Capital Sees Over 400% Upside For This Small Gene-Editing Stock.
- The decision by Graphite Bio to voluntarily pause the CEDAR study follows a serious and unexpected adverse event of prolonged low blood cell counts (pancytopenia) requiring ongoing transfusion and growth factor support in the first patient dosed with nula-cel.
- The patient achieved study-defined neutrophil engraftment and has shown no evidence of myelodysplasia, a rare type of blood cancer.
- Graphite Bio no longer expects to file an investigational new drug application for GPH102 in beta-thalassemia by mid-2024. The company is also working to identify operational efficiencies to extend its cash position to at least 2026.
- Graphite Bio will provide a business update by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
- Price Action: GRPH shares are down 47.70% at $1.60 during the premarket session on the last check Friday.