** Shares of gene therapy makers and developers slide premarket after WSJ and other media outlets report that Peter Marks, a top official at the US FDA, has been pushed out of the agency
** Marks was the head of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and introduced several programs to accelerate the development of gene and cell therapies during his tenure
** Taysha Gene Therapies TSHA.O down 10.9% at $1.72 premarket, Solid Biosciences SLDB.O down 7.2% at $4.01, US-listed shares of CRISPR Therapeutics CRSP.O down 3.8% at $35.60
** "Gene and cell therapies likely under increased pressure, given CBER and Marks' intimate relationship with many of these companies and programs," says BMO Capital Markets analyst Evan Seigerman
** Marks did not respond to Reuters' request for comment
** Marks was given the choice by a Health and Human Services official to resign or be fired, according to WSJ, which also reported that his resignation is effective April 5
(Reporting by Manas Mishra)
((Manas.Mishra@thomsonreuters.com; www.twitter.com/Manaswrites15;))
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.