Capricor Soars on Drug Results That Could Reverse FDA Rejection

Capricor Therapeutics Inc. shares soared the most on record after saying its experimental drug helped patients with a deadly muscle disorder in a key trial, a finding it said could help overturn an earlier rejection by US regulators.

The San Diego-based biotech said Deramiocel significantly improved heart and upper limb function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The placebo-controlled study included more than 100 patients with the rare disease that affects boys and young men, who typically die from heart or respiratory issues as their muscles fail.

Capricor shares jumped more than sixfold after the results were released Wednesday. They ...