Avidity Biosciences is gearing up for a pivotal year in 2025, highlighted by the planned submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA for delpacibart zotadirsen (del-zota). This therapy is intended for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who have mutations addressable through exon 44 skipping.
The FDA has confirmed that del-zota is eligible for accelerated approval, a decision based on the clinical data package from the EXPLORE44 program. This regulatory pathway could expedite the availability of del-zota to patients with DMD44, a subset of DMD characterized by specific genetic mutations. The BLA submission is planned for the end of 2025.
Advancing Clinical Programs in DM1 and FSHD
Beyond DMD44, Avidity is making strides in its clinical programs for other neuromuscular disorders. The company is on track to complete enrollment in the Phase 3 HARBOR trial, which is evaluating delpacibart etedesiran (del-desiran) for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), by mid-2025. Furthermore, Avidity anticipates initiating a global pivotal trial for delpacibart braxlosiran (del-brax) in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) during the same timeframe.
Avidity is also working to finalize the global registrational path for del-brax in FSHD, including a potential accelerated approval strategy in the U.S. Topline data from the FORTITUDE trial is expected in Q2 2025.
Leadership Expansion to Support Commercialization
To support the anticipated growth and commercialization efforts, Avidity Biosciences is expanding its leadership team. Eric B. Mosbrooker is transitioning to the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to spearhead multiple global product launches. Additionally, Charles (Chuck) Calderaro III has joined as Chief Technical Officer (CTO), and Kat Lange has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer (CBO).
"With Eric transitioning to CCO as well as Chuck and Kat joining, we are expanding our team and the organizational structure to propel Avidity forward to becoming a global, commercial company launching therapies in three separate rare diseases to profoundly improve the lives of people living with DMD44, DM1 and FSHD," said Sarah Boyce, President and Chief Executive Officer at Avidity.
Upcoming Data Presentations and Regulatory Milestones
Avidity Biosciences has several upcoming data presentations and regulatory milestones planned:
- Topline data from the EXPLORE44 trial (Q1) and EXPLORE44-OLE trial (Q4) for del-zota in DMD44.
- Additional data analyses from the Phase 1/2 MARINA trial (Q1) and an update from the MARINA-OLE trial (Q4) for del-desiran in DM1.
- Regulatory alignment on a global Phase 3 trial design (Q2), alignment on a potential accelerated approval path for the FORTITUDE biomarker cohort (Q2), completion of enrollment of the FORTITUDE biomarker cohort (Q2), and presentation of topline data from the FORTITUDE trial (Q2) for del-brax in FSHD.
Avidity's progress in developing AOCs represents a significant advancement in RNA therapeutics, potentially offering new treatment options for patients with limited or no existing therapies.
