The Catalyst Brief
Coverage

Regulatory & Policy

FDA actions, approvals, policy shifts and compliance: how the rules change timelines and probability.

Page 26 of 34

Archive

Industry Concerns on FDA’s Data-Sharing Push in Cell and Gene TherapyMar 12, 2026

Industry Concerns on FDA’s Data-Sharing Push in Cell and Gene Therapy

Following the FDA’s inaugural public listening meeting on data-sharing practices in the cell and gene therapy sector, draft guidance has emerged. However, this move has spurred debate on whether shared evidence and prior knowledge will genuinely expedite therapeutic advancements or introduce complications in rare disease research and development.

Dr. Alex MorganDr. Alex Morgan
FDA Approves Leucovorin for Rare Disorder Despite Lack of Trial DataMar 11, 2026

FDA Approves Leucovorin for Rare Disorder Despite Lack of Trial Data

In a surprising regulatory move, the FDA has greenlighted leucovorin for treatment of a rare disorder despite the lack of conventional trial data usually required for such decisions. This approval marks a significant shift in how therapies for rare diseases may be evaluated and authorized, balancing urgent patient needs with evidentiary rigour.

Sophia ReynoldsSophia Reynolds
FDA to Review Two AstraZeneca Cancer Drugs in First Advisory Panel in Nine MonthsMar 9, 2026

FDA to Review Two AstraZeneca Cancer Drugs in First Advisory Panel in Nine Months

AstraZeneca is facing a pivotal review as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prepares to hold the first cancer advisory panel meeting in nine months. The committee will evaluate the applications for camizestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) for breast cancer, and Truqap, an AKT inhibitor aimed at prostate cancer treatment. This meeting underscores the critical role that advisory panels play in guiding regulatory decisions for cutting-edge oncology drugs.

Sophia ReynoldsSophia Reynolds
Congressional Challenges in Tackling Vertical Integration in Healthcare Amid PBM Transparency ReformsMar 9, 2026

Congressional Challenges in Tackling Vertical Integration in Healthcare Amid PBM Transparency Reforms

The bipartisan Break Up Big Medicine Act aims to dismantle the growing influence of vertically integrated healthcare companies. However, experts suggest that despite recent wins on PBM transparency and delinking, the political and industry resistance make passing this legislation unlikely. Understanding these dynamics is essential for stakeholders seeking meaningful healthcare reform.

Daniel ChoDaniel Cho
FDA’s Vinay Prasad to Leave After Controversial Tenure as CBER ChiefMar 7, 2026

FDA’s Vinay Prasad to Leave After Controversial Tenure as CBER Chief

Prasad’s leadership at CBER was characterized by firm stances on drug approvals, especially for rare diseases, which sparked significant debate within the agency and the biopharma sector. His exit marks a pivotal moment for the FDA’s biologics regulatory landscape.

Jonathan BlakeJonathan Blake
FDA Official Fires Back at UniQure, Doubles Down on Sham-Controlled TrialMar 6, 2026

FDA Official Fires Back at UniQure, Doubles Down on Sham-Controlled Trial

The regulation of clinical trials for gene therapies presents unique ethical and procedural challenges. UniQure’s pursuit of a sham-controlled Phase 3 trial for AMT-130 in Huntington’s disease has been met with resistance, but recent FDA statements reinforce the agency’s position on trial design. This dynamic encapsulates broader tensions in balancing patient safety, scientific rigor, and ethical considerations in advanced therapies.

Dr. Alex MorganDr. Alex Morgan
FDA Fully Lifts Hold on Intellia’s Late-Stage CRISPR Gene Therapy TrialsMar 3, 2026

FDA Fully Lifts Hold on Intellia’s Late-Stage CRISPR Gene Therapy Trials

Intellia Therapeutics faced a setback last October when the FDA paused its CRISPR gene therapy studies after a patient experienced life-threatening enzyme elevations leading to death. After a thorough investigation and safety evaluation, the FDA has now fully lifted the hold, allowing Intellia to proceed with its late-stage clinical programs, marking a significant milestone in CRISPR therapeutic development.

Sophia ReynoldsSophia Reynolds

Other beats

AI in Drug Discovery

Machine learning, predictive models and computational biology: how AI is changing discovery workflows and probability of success.

Biopharmaceutical Industry

Drug development, clinical trials and industry dynamics. What changes timelines, risk and competitive positioning.

Biotech Innovation

Gene therapy, CRISPR, synthetic biology and emerging platforms. Separating what is real from what is hype, and what actually translates.

Healthcare Investment

Where capital is flowing and why the tape moves, across funding rounds, M&A, IPOs and market analysis.

Medical Technology

Digital health, diagnostics and medical devices, and the signals that matter for adoption, reimbursement and outcomes.