Deramiocel for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (cardiomyopathy)
The FDA is expected to decide on Deramiocel for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (cardiomyopathy) by November 22, 2026, under a BLA from Capricor Therapeutics.
What is being decided
Capricor Therapeutics has a BLA under FDA review for Deramiocel in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (cardiomyopathy). Cell therapy targeting DMD heart disease; PDUFA date extended to November 22.
Who this decision matters to
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, beginning in early childhood. The defective dystrophin protein normally protects muscle fibers from damage. Without it, muscles deteriorate and are gradually replaced by fat and scar tissue. Multiple exon-skipping therapies (eteplirsen, golodirsen, viltolarsen, casimersen) are FDA-approved. Delandistrogene moxeparvovec (Elevidys), the first gene therapy for DMD, received accelerated FDA approval in June 2023, with traditional approval expanded to ambulatory patients aged 4 and older in June 2024. In November 2025, the FDA added a boxed warning for fatal liver toxicity and restricted the indication to ambulatory patients only, removing the non-ambulatory indication.
Prevalence: 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 male births. See our full Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy page for current treatments, recruiting trials, and community resources.
What each outcome would mean
An approval starts a second race rather than ending the first one: specialty pharmacy setup, insurance review, and patient assistance typically take weeks even when everything goes right. Our guide to the 90 days after a rare disease approval explains the timeline and the moves families can make on day 1.
A complete response letter would mean the FDA declined to approve in the application's current form. CRLs are often about manufacturing or data presentation rather than efficacy, and resubmission is common. Either way, this page updates with the outcome and what it means.
Where Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treatment stands today
DMD research is remarkably active, with multiple exon-skipping therapies approved or in advanced trials, offering hope for slowing or stabilizing disease progression. Gene therapy approaches are expanding, and newer antisense oligonucleotides are being tested for additional dystrophin mutations. The Muscular Dystrophy Association maintains a comprehensive trial database. These advances are most impactful when started early, so if you have a recently diagnosed child, discuss with your neurologist which newer therapies might be appropriate and monitor emerging trial opportunities. Genetic testing to identify your specific dystrophin mutation can help determine which targeted therapies you're eligible for.
Meanwhile, 83 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy trials are recruiting
Whatever the FDA decides here, research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy does not stop. A few currently enrolling studies, US sites first:
Other drugs Trial Friend tracks for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Get notified when new duchenne-muscular-dystrophy trials open or existing trials change status, add sites, or update eligibility.
Our coverage
Frequently asked questions
When will the FDA decide on Deramiocel?
The FDA's target decision date (PDUFA date) for Deramiocel in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (cardiomyopathy) is November 22, 2026, disclosed by Capricor Therapeutics. The agency can act before this date and occasionally runs past it.
What is Deramiocel being reviewed for?
Capricor Therapeutics submitted a BLA for Deramiocel in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (cardiomyopathy). Cell therapy targeting DMD heart disease; PDUFA date extended to November 22.
What happens after the Deramiocel decision?
If approved, availability is not immediate: specialty pharmacy setup, insurance review, and patient assistance typically take weeks even when everything goes right. If the FDA issues a complete response letter, the application was not approved in its current form; CRLs are often about manufacturing or data presentation rather than efficacy, and sponsors frequently resubmit. This page updates with the outcome either way.
Where this date comes from
The FDA does not publish PDUFA dates; companies disclose them. This one comes from Capricor press release. Dates can move, and the FDA can act early or late. This page rechecks against our calendar, which is re-verified weekly.