Marinus Pharmaceuticals Slashes 45% of Workforce Following Disappointing Phase 3 Trial Results

Layoffs:
Marinus Pharmaceuticals has cut 45% of its staff due to disappointing results from two phase 3 trials for its key medicine, ganaxolone, aimed at treating refractory status epilepticus (RSE)34.

RAISE Trial:
The RAISE trial, evaluating intravenous ganaxolone for RSE, failed to meet predefined stopping criteria, leading to a halt in enrollment and a review of future development plans2.

TrustTSC Trial:
Despite setbacks, Marinus is focusing on the TrustTSC trial, which is testing ganaxolone for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a condition causing non-malignant tumors and epilepsy2.

Financial Impact:
The cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and deferred investments, are expected to extend Marinus's financial runway into the first quarter of 20252.

Strategic Shift:
Marinus is prioritizing the commercialization and development of ganaxolone for CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) and TSC, leveraging its potential in treating seizures resistant to other medications2.

Sources:

2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/marinus-lays-20-staff-steady-ship-after-iv-seizure-med-fail

3. https://www.cafepharma.com/content/marinus-cuts-45-staff-after-key-medicine-stumbled-pair-phase-3-trials

4. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/thermo-fisher-charts-160-layoffs-ma-part-viral-vector-overhaul