PHILADELPHIA, PA — Carisma Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CARM) announced a strategic realignment of its resources, discontinuing the development of its CT-0525 program and reducing its workforce by 34%. These decisions are part of a broader initiative to focus on the company’s in vivo macrophage engineering platform, targeting fibrosis, oncology, and autoimmune diseases.
“Following a comprehensive review of our portfolio, we have made the strategic decision to prioritize advancing our in vivo macrophage engineering platform,” said Steven Kelly, President and CEO of Carisma. “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.”
The company aims to direct its efforts toward developing innovative therapies with significant medical need. Key elements of the strategy include an early-stage liver fibrosis program, oncology therapies developed in collaboration with Moderna, and autoimmune research programs centered on macrophage engineering.
Carisma has also decided to discontinue the anti-HER2 CT-0525 program after evaluating the competitive landscape and the impact of approved HER2-targeted therapies. The Phase 1 trial for CT-0525 is now complete, with data showing the promising safety and feasibility of CAR-M cell therapy.
To support this shift in focus, the company plans to reduce operating expenses, including a workforce reduction expected to be finalized by early 2025. Key executives, including CFO Richard Morris, General Counsel Eric Siegel, and Senior VP of Human Resources Terry Shields, will leave the company by the end of this year. Carisma estimates $2.7 million in costs tied to the reduction.
“These strategic initiatives, redirecting our investments to the in vivo macrophage engineering platform, aim to streamline our operations and reduce expenses over time,” Kelly added. “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.”
By narrowing its focus on next-generation therapies, Carisma is positioning itself for long-term growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing fields of fibrosis, oncology, and autoimmune disease treatment.
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