Carisma Therapeutics Reprioritizes Pipeline And Focuses On Macrophage Platform Advancements

Carisma Therapeutics Inc., a leader in macrophage-based therapeutics, has announced a strategic shift in its pipeline, which includes halting the development of CT-0525 and reducing its workforce by 34%. These changes aim to reallocate resources to advance the company’s in vivo macrophage engineering platform, focusing on potential therapies for fibrosis, oncology, and autoimmune diseases. This move aligns with Carisma’s commitment to pursuing high-potential programs that address significant unmet medical needs while improving operational efficiency.

Steven Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carisma, said in a statement, "Following a comprehensive review of our portfolio, we have made the strategic decision to prioritize advancing our in vivo macrophage engineering platform. The compelling data generated by both the Moderna-partnered in vivo CAR-M oncology programs as well as our internal liver fibrosis program underscore the potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms with an innovative and patient-centric approach."

He further continued, "These strategic initiatives, re-directing our investments to the in vivo macrophage engineering platform, discontinuing development of our anti-HER2 program and reducing our workforce, aim to streamline our operations and reduce operating expenses over time. While these decisions are very challenging, they are made in the best interest of our shareholders. We remain deeply grateful for the significant contributions of the employees departing Carisma."

As part of the pipeline reprioritization, Carisma will discontinue its anti-HER2 program and shift its focus to developing off-the-shelf products utilizing its macrophage engineering platform. This strategic decision is designed to streamline efforts and maximize the impact of the company’s next-generation therapeutics, which include fibrosis, oncology, autoimmune disease by using its in-vivo macrophage engineering platform.