PHILADELPHIA, PA – March 31, 2025 – Carisma Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CARM) announced a revised operating plan to preserve resources and explore strategic alternatives, including potential asset sales, partnerships, or a company sale. The plan aims to maximize the value of its liver fibrosis and oncology programs, as well as its macrophage and monocyte engineering platforms.
To support this, Carisma has significantly reduced its workforce, retaining only essential personnel for the strategic review. The company has sufficient cash to fund operations through the second half of 2025.
“Given the challenging funding environment, we believe pursuing strategic alternatives and reducing operating costs will maximize the value of our science and assets,” said Steven Kelly, Carisma’s President and CEO. “We are committed to finding a strategic transaction to continue the development of our promising liver fibrosis and oncology programs.”
Key Program Highlights:
- Liver Fibrosis (CT-2401): Uses mRNA/LNP technology to correct efferocytosis defects in liver macrophages, showing anti-fibrotic efficacy in preclinical models.
- Oncology (CT-1119): A CAR-monocyte therapy targeting mesothelin-positive solid tumors. Phase 1 trial preparation in China is paused.
- Moderna Collaboration: Preclinical progress in in vivo CAR-M therapies, including GPC3 targeting in hepatocellular carcinoma. Moderna has ceased funding, but Carisma retains rights to advance other CAR-M programs.
Corporate Adjustments:
- The Board of Directors approved the revised plan on March 25, 2025, due to funding challenges.
- Research and development activities are paused.
- Carisma will explore strategic options and may seek advisors for potential wind-down preparation if necessary.
- The company remains open to options that could continue its platform and pipeline development.
https://ir.carismatx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/carisma-therapeutics-provides-corporate-updates
About PackGene
PackGene Biotech is a world-leading CRO and CDMO, excelling in AAV vectors, mRNA, plasmid DNA, and lentiviral vector solutions. Our comprehensive offerings span from vector design and construction to AAV, lentivirus, and mRNA services. With a sharp focus on early-stage drug discovery, preclinical development, and cell and gene therapy trials, we deliver cost-effective, dependable, and scalable production solutions. Leveraging our groundbreaking π-alpha 293 AAV high-yield platform, we amplify AAV production by up to 10-fold, yielding up to 1e+17vg per batch to meet diverse commercial and clinical project needs. Moreover, our tailored mRNA and LNP products and services cater to every stage of drug and vaccine development, from research to GMP production, providing a seamless, end-to-end solution.
