Agency’s presentations on Biogen/Ionis’ ALS drug included differing viewpoints from the statistical and clinical pharmacology teams; the transparency and emphasis on a multidisciplinary review approach may reflect lessons learned from missteps at the Aduhelm panel review in 2020.

A November 2022 refuse-to-file letter cited clinical and statistical issues for the stem cell therapy, which failed its Phase III clinical efficacy endpoint. However, BrainStorm has consistently asserted that NurOwn demonstrated benefit in patients with less advanced disease at baseline, and it is encouraged by regulatory flexibility FDA recently has shown for the neurodegenerative disease.

Advisory committee unanimously concludes that the reduction in plasma neurofilament light chain concentration is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit in SOD1-ALS, but majority of panelists say convincing evidence of efficacy to support regular approval has not been demonstrated.

Neuroscience and oncology fuel high hopes for therapeutic R&D progress among 90-plus surveyed biopharma industry leaders.