Krystal Biotech Inc (NASDAQ: KRYS) (FRA: 4KB) co-founder Suma Krishnan has been added to the inaugural Forbes 250 list of America’s Greatest Innovators.
The prestigious accolade, announced on Feb. 11, recognizes her contributions to the gene therapy and biotechnology fields. Others named on the diverse listing include famed performer Taylor Swift, Kardashian mother Kris Jenner, hedge fund manager Steve Cohen and major tech influences like Sam Altman and Jensen Huang.
This achievement builds on Krishnan being featured in the Forbes 50 over 50 list last July, celebrating her role as an influential woman in a field primarily dominated by men.
Krishnan’s journey with the company started in her late 40s when she conceived a novel topical gene therapy for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) — a rare and debilitating skin disorder. Ten years ago at age 51, she collaborated with her husband Krish Krishnan to found Krystal Biotech in Pennsylvania after modelling the therapy and beginning the patent process.
Suma Krishnan. Image credit: Krystal Biotech
What began a small startup has transformed into a Nasdaq-listed powerhouse with a market cap above US$7 billion. Krystal’s flagship drug, VYJUVEK, became the first FDA-approved topical gene therapy for DEB in 2023. It has been a game-changer for patients with fragile skin.
Since that time, Krystal has expanded throughout the globe, launching VYJUVEK in the Middle East, Japan, Europe and elsewhere through specialty distributors. Third quarter revenue for VYJUVEK hit US$97.8 million, up 17 per cent year-over-year.
Read more: Prestigious medtech intelligence firm recognizes Breath Diagnostics for innovation
Krystal’s lung cancer drug secures FDA RMAT designation
This week also brought a significant regulatory milestone for the company. On Feb. 9, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation to KB707. It is an inhaled gene therapy drug used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
In a nutshell, KB707 is an immunotherapy that works by delivering cytokine proteins into the tumour’s microenvironment to boost anti tumour immune responses.
RMAT status will accelerate the therapeutic’s development by providing FDA guidance and rolling reviews while potentially expediting approval. Krystal is preparing to complete a trial involving KB707 plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone with an interim analysis underway during H2 of this year.
Wall Street research firms view the development as beneficial for the company’s oncology program, potentially enhancing stock valuation in the near or long-term.
Read more: Krystal Biotech reports success with inhalable lung cancer drug in early-stage trial
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