Roche Pharmaceuticals remains committed to gene therapy, despite recent setbacks with its drug Elevidys. According to CEO Teresa Graham, the company believes in the potential of gene therapy and will continue to work towards delivering meaningful treatments to patients.
Graham stated that the challenges faced by Elevidys have not altered Roche’s views on gene therapy, which she described as an “important modality” in treating human health. The company has paused trials for Elevidys following a patient’s death, but plans to continue working with regulatory agencies to find a path forward.
Roche is also investing in other areas, such as Parkinson’s disease treatment prasinezumab, which showed promising results in its phase 2 study. Graham expressed hope that the drug could lead to significant breakthroughs in treating patients with Parkinson’s.
Meanwhile, Roche has taken an early exit from its obesity drug CT-173, citing concerns over its developability and competitiveness. However, Graham believes that combinations of existing drugs could offer a path forward for tackling this complex disease.
Graham also highlighted the potential of new assets, including petrelintide, a long-acting amylin analog acquired by Roche in March. The company is evaluating CT-388, another Carmot asset, and plans to make decisions on its future later this year.
Overall, Graham’s comments suggest that Roche remains committed to exploring gene therapy and other innovative approaches to treat diseases.
Source: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/we-will-crack-gene-therapy-elevidys-fallout-doesnt-dent-roches-hopes-modality