Sarepta rises after U.S. FDA clears study of muscle-wasting disease drug

Shares of drug developer Sarepta Therapeutics SRPT.O 2.1% to $19.78 in early trading

Co says U.S. FDA has approved the start of new study to test whether adding an extra immune-suppressing drug can make its gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy safer for patients who can no longer walk

DMD is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss, mostly in boys and young men

The early stage trial enrolls ~25 patients who can no longer walk, co says

Patients will receive co's Elevidys gene therapy plus sirolimus to lower risk of serious liver complications - RNA

The therapy is approved for children aged four and older who can walk, but not for those unable to walk due to safety concerns - RNA

Including session's move, stock down ~85% YTD