Arcturus Prunes Early-Stage Pipeline to Focus on mRNA Therapies

Arcturus Therapeutics announced it is discontinuing early-stage vaccine development to focus on advancing its more developed mRNA therapies, specifically for cystic fibrosis (CF) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency14.

This strategic decision was made to streamline spending, optimize resource allocation, and extend the company’s cash runway until the first quarter of 2028. At the end of Q1 2025, Arcturus had $273.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash14.

The move will impact four investigational vaccines, including two Phase I influenza vaccines and two preclinical vaccines against undisclosed infectious diseases; the approved COVID-19 vaccine Kostaive is unaffected and continues to expand globally15.

Key prioritized programs are ARCT-032 (inhaled mRNA therapy for cystic fibrosis), with Phase 2 data expected in Q2 2025, and ARCT-810 (IV mRNA therapy for OTC deficiency), also with mid-2025 Phase 2 data anticipated45.

Arcturus plans to continue growing the global presence of its COVID-19 vaccine, Kostaive, with a U.S. approval filing expected by the third quarter of 202515.

Sources:

1. https://www.biospace.com/arcturus-prunes-early-stage-pipeline-leans-into-mrna-therapies

4. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/arcturus-stops-work-early-stage-vaccine-programs-effort-streamline-resources

5. https://www.ainvest.com/news/arcturus-therapeutics-navigating-challenges-mrna-innovation-q1-2025-earnings-2504/