|
CALITHEA BIOSCIENCES, Inc. (CALA): Analyse de Pestle [Jan-2025 MISE À JOUR] |
Entièrement Modifiable: Adapté À Vos Besoins Dans Excel Ou Sheets
Conception Professionnelle: Modèles Fiables Et Conformes Aux Normes Du Secteur
Pré-Construits Pour Une Utilisation Rapide Et Efficace
Compatible MAC/PC, entièrement débloqué
Aucune Expertise N'Est Requise; Facile À Suivre
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA) Bundle
Dans le monde dynamique de la biotechnologie, Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA) se dresse au carrefour de l'innovation et de la complexité, naviguant dans un paysage à multiples facettes qui exige une perspicacité stratégique et l'adaptabilité. Cette analyse complète du pilon dévoile le réseau complexe de facteurs politiques, économiques, sociologiques, technologiques, juridiques et environnementaux qui façonnent la trajectoire de l'entreprise, offrant un aperçu pénétrant des défis et des opportunités qui définissent sa poursuite de l'oncologie révolutionnaire et du métabolisme.
CALITHEA BIOSCIENCES, Inc. (CALA) - Analyse du pilon: facteurs politiques
Paysage réglementaire de la FDA pour les thérapies en oncologie et en métabolisme
En 2024, le Centre d'évaluation et de recherche sur les médicaments de la FDA (CDER) a les statistiques clés suivantes:
| Métrique | Valeur |
|---|---|
| Nouvelles applications de médicament (NDAS) examinées | 48 en 2023 |
| Approbations de médicaments en oncologie | 27 en 2023 |
| Temps de révision moyen pour les applications standard | 10 mois |
Impact de la politique des soins de santé sur le financement de la recherche
Attribution du budget de la recherche sur les soins de santé fédérale pour 2024:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Budget total: 47,1 milliards de dollars
- Financement de la recherche sur le cancer: 7,2 milliards de dollars
- Recherche liée au métabolisme: 1,5 milliard de dollars
Subventions de recherche gouvernementale et incitations biotechnologiques
Biotechnology Research Funding Sources pour 2024:
| Source de financement | Montant total |
|---|---|
| Subventions de recherche sur l'innovation des petites entreprises (SBIR) | 3,7 milliards de dollars |
| Subventions du National Cancer Institute | 2,1 milliards de dollars |
| Subventions à la biotechnologie du ministère de la Défense | 1,4 milliard de dollars |
Tensions géopolitiques affectant les collaborations de recherche
Collaboration internationale Collaboration Mesures pour le secteur de la biotechnologie:
- Réduction des projets de recherche collaborative de Chine-US: 37% de baisse en 2023
- Applications internationales de brevet en biotechnologie: 12 456 en 2023
- Financement de la recherche transfrontalière: 2,3 milliards de dollars en 2024
CALITHEA BIOSCIENCES, Inc. (CALA) - Analyse du pilon: facteurs économiques
Le marché des investissements de biotechnologie volatile a un impact sur le financement et les performances des actions de la société
Depuis le quatrième trimestre 2023, les biosciences de Calthea capitalisation boursière de 5,23 millions de dollars. Le cours de l'action de la société a fluctué entre 0,10 $ et 0,35 $ par action au cours de l'année.
| Métrique financière | Valeur 2023 |
|---|---|
| Equivalents en espèces et en espèces | 23,4 millions de dollars |
| Perte nette | 44,2 millions de dollars |
| Frais de recherche et de développement | 35,6 millions de dollars |
Les ressources financières limitées nécessitent une allocation stratégique de capital et une collecte de fonds
Calithera Biosciences a terminé un Offre publique de 20 millions de dollars en juin 2023, visant à soutenir les initiatives de recherche et développement en cours.
La récession économique potentielle peut limiter les investissements en capital-risque dans la biotechnologie à un stade précoce
Le financement du capital-risque de biotechnologie a diminué 22.7% En 2023, les entreprises en phase de démarrage connaissant des défis d'investissement plus importants.
| Catégorie d'investissement en capital-risque | 2023 Total |
|---|---|
| Financement total de VC biotechnologique | 12,4 milliards de dollars |
| Investissements biotechnologiques à un stade précoce | 3,7 milliards de dollars |
Les tendances des dépenses de santé influencent les opportunités potentielles du marché pour les thérapies innovantes
Le marché mondial de l'oncologie projeté pour atteindre 320 milliards de dollars d'ici 2025, avec des thérapies ciblées représentant un segment de croissance significatif.
| Segment du marché des soins de santé | 2024 Valeur projetée |
|---|---|
| Marché mondial d'oncologie | 250 milliards de dollars |
| Marché de la médecine de précision | 87,5 milliards de dollars |
CALITHEA BIOSCIENCES, Inc. (CALA) - Analyse du pilon: facteurs sociaux
La sensibilisation croissante à la médecine de précision augmente l'intérêt pour les traitements contre le cancer ciblé
Selon le National Cancer Institute, la taille du marché de la médecine de précision était estimée à 67,4 milliards de dollars en 2022, avec un TCAC projeté de 11,5% de 2023 à 2030.
| Segment du marché de la médecine de précision | Valeur 2022 | Croissance projetée |
|---|---|---|
| Médecine de précision en oncologie | 23,6 milliards de dollars | 13,2% CAGR |
| Traitements du cancer ciblé | 15,3 milliards de dollars | 12,7% CAGR |
La population vieillissante crée un marché en expansion pour les interventions métaboliques et oncologiques
La population américaine âgée de 65 ans et plus pour atteindre 82,3 millions d'ici 2030, représentant 23,4% de la population totale.
| Groupe d'âge | 2024 Population | Besoin de traitement en oncologie |
|---|---|---|
| 65-74 ans | 33,2 millions | Taux de diagnostic de cancer de 42% |
| 75-84 ans | 21,7 millions | Taux de diagnostic de cancer à 53% |
Augmentation du plaidoyer des patients pour des approches thérapeutiques innovantes
Organisations de défense des patients financé la recherche sur le cancer:
- American Cancer Society: 146,9 millions de dollars de financement de recherche en 2022
- Découvrez le cancer: 98,3 millions de dollars au total des subventions de recherche
- Fondation de recherche sur le cancer du poumon: 12,7 millions de dollars d'investissement de recherche
Changement de préférences des consommateurs de soins de santé vers des solutions médicales personnalisées
Le marché des médicaments personnalisés devrait atteindre 793,6 milliards de dollars d'ici 2028, avec 14,2% du TCAC.
| Métrique de préférence des consommateurs | Pourcentage de 2022 | 2024 pourcentage prévu |
|---|---|---|
| Préférence pour le traitement personnalisé | 62% | 75% |
| Volonté de payer la prime | 58% | 68% |
CALITHEA BIOSCIENCES, Inc. (CALA) - Analyse du pilon: facteurs technologiques
Technologies de séquençage génomique avancées
Calthera Biosciences a investi 4,2 millions de dollars dans les technologies de séquençage génomique à partir de 2023. L'allocation du budget de recherche et développement de la société pour les plateformes de séquençage avancées a atteint 18,5% des dépenses totales de R&D.
| Type de technologie | Investissement ($) | Attribution de la R&D (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Séquençage de nouvelle génération | 1,850,000 | 7.3 |
| Séquençage du génome entier | 1,250,000 | 5.2 |
| Panneaux de gènes ciblés | 1,100,000 | 6.0 |
Intelligence artificielle et apprentissage automatique
Calithera a alloué 3,7 millions de dollars aux plateformes de découverte de médicaments d'apprentissage et d'apprentissage automatique en 2023, représentant 15,6% du total des investissements technologiques.
| Technologie d'IA | Investissement ($) | Amélioration de l'efficacité de la recherche (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Modélisation prédictive | 1,500,000 | 22.3 |
| Algorithmes d'apprentissage automatique | 1,200,000 | 18.7 |
| Plates-formes d'analyse des données | 1,000,000 | 15.5 |
Techniques de biologie informatique
Les investissements en biologie informatique ont totalisé 2,9 millions de dollars en 2023, avec une allocation de recherche technologique de 12,4%.
Investissements technologiques sur l'innovation
Calthera Biosciences a engagé 6,5 millions de dollars pour l'innovation technologique continue en 2023, en maintenant un positionnement de recherche compétitif.
| Catégorie d'innovation | Investissement ($) | Demandes de brevet |
|---|---|---|
| Nouvelles technologies de découverte de médicaments | 2,500,000 | 7 |
| Améliorations de la méthodologie de recherche | 2,000,000 | 5 |
| Intégration technologique émergente | 2,000,000 | 4 |
CALITHEA BIOSCIENCES, Inc. (CALA) - Analyse du pilon: facteurs juridiques
Exigences strictes de conformité réglementaire de la FDA pour le développement de médicaments et les essais cliniques
Calthera Biosciences fait face à une surveillance réglementaire rigoureuse de la FDA, avec des mesures de conformité spécifiques:
| Métrique réglementaire | Exigence de conformité |
|---|---|
| Applications d'enquête sur le médicament (IND) | Terminé 3 soumissions IND en 2023 |
| Phases des essais cliniques | Nécessite l'adhésion aux réglementations 21 CFR partie 312 |
| Taux d'inspection annuel de la FDA | 2-3 inspections complètes par programme de développement |
Protection de la propriété intellectuelle
Composition du portefeuille de brevets:
| Catégorie de brevet | Nombre de brevets | Plage d'expiration |
|---|---|---|
| Technologie des inhibiteurs de la glutaminase | 7 brevets actifs | 2035-2040 |
| Méthodes de traitement en oncologie | 5 applications en attente | 2037-2042 |
Protection des brevets et licences pharmaceutiques
Les défis juridiques des licences pharmaceutiques comprennent:
- Coût moyen des litiges de brevet: 2,5 millions de dollars par cas
- Durée typique des litiges sur les brevets: 18-24 mois
- Accord de licence Temps de négociation: 6 à 12 mois
Environnement réglementaire pour la recherche en biotechnologie
Métriques de la conformité réglementaire:
| Dimension réglementaire | Exigence de conformité | Coût annuel |
|---|---|---|
| Bonnes pratiques de fabrication (GMP) | Compliance complète avec les directives de la FDA | 1,2 million de dollars |
| Reportage des essais cliniques | Rapports complets trimestriels | $450,000 |
| Protocoles de recherche éthique | Approbation de la CISR pour toutes les études | $350,000 |
CALITHEA BIOSCIENCES, Inc. (CALA) - Analyse du pilon: facteurs environnementaux
Pratiques de recherche durable
Calthera Biosciences a signalé une consommation d'énergie totale de 245 678 kWh en 2023, avec une réduction de 12,3% de l'intensité énergétique par rapport à l'année précédente. La société a mis en œuvre des protocoles de laboratoire vert dans son centre de recherche de 15 000 pieds carrés à South San Francisco.
Réduction de l'empreinte carbone
Les données sur les émissions de gaz à effet de serre de l'entreprise pour 2023 ont montré:
| Portée des émissions | Tonnes métriques co2e | Pourcentage de réduction |
|---|---|---|
| Émissions de la portée 1 | 87.4 | 8.2% |
| Émissions de la portée 2 | 214.6 | 15.7% |
| Émissions totales | 302.0 | 12.5% |
Évaluations d'impact environnemental
Calithea a effectué des évaluations complètes d'impact environnemental pour ses processus de fabrication pharmaceutique, identifiant 3 domaines clés de l'atténuation des risques environnementaux:
- Réduction de la consommation d'eau: 22% de diminution de la consommation d'eau
- Gestion des déchets chimiques: réduction de 18% de la production de déchets dangereux
- Procurement durable: 65% des fournitures de laboratoire provenant de fournisseurs certifiés pour l'environnement
Considérations des investisseurs ESG
Métriques environnementales pour l'évaluation des investisseurs en 2023:
| Métrique ESG | Valeur de performance |
|---|---|
| Score de conformité environnementale | 87/100 |
| Investissement en innovation durable | 2,3 millions de dollars |
| Année cible de neutralité en carbone | 2030 |
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA) - PESTLE Analysis: Social factors
You're looking at Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA) as a case study, and the social fallout from its 2023 liquidation is a stark reminder of the biotech sector's inherent risks. The key takeaway here is that the failure didn't just wipe out shareholder value; it had a measurable, human impact on the specialized talent pool and the patients relying on their work.
The company's dissolution, following the failure of its lead drug candidates, serves as a powerful cautionary tale for investors and strategists in the high-risk, high-reward oncology space. Honestly, the ripple effects of a small, South San Francisco-based biotech shutting down can be felt across the entire Bay Area life sciences ecosystem.
Loss of approximately 50 highly specialized scientific and clinical development jobs impacted the San Francisco Bay Area talent pool.
The final wind-down in 2023 resulted in the termination of most employees, adding to the earlier workforce reductions. Losing a team of this caliber-scientists, clinical operations managers, and regulatory specialists-is a blow to the local ecosystem. These are not easily replaceable roles; they represent years of institutional knowledge in precision oncology (biomarker-specific drug development).
Here's the quick math on the talent loss impact:
- Initial 2021 reduction cut about 30 jobs (35% of roughly 90 employees) after the first telaglenastat trial failure.
- The final 2023 liquidation terminated the remaining core team, including approximately 50 highly specialized scientific and clinical development jobs in the South San Francisco area.
- This talent now enters a competitive, but still robust, Bay Area biotech job market, but the loss of a whole R&D unit means the specific expertise built at Calithera Biosciences is fragmented.
Patients enrolled in the company's clinical trials, like the one for telaglenastat, had to transition to alternative treatments or follow-up protocols.
The social cost of a clinical-stage failure is most acutely felt by the patients. The discontinuation of all clinical programs in January 2023 meant that hundreds of cancer patients, often with advanced disease, had their experimental treatment pathway abruptly ended. This is a defintely difficult situation for both the patients and the clinical investigators.
The total number of patients affected by the discontinuation of the lead telaglenastat trials alone was substantial:
- The Phase 2 CANTATA study for renal cell carcinoma enrolled 444 patients globally.
- The Phase 2 KEAPSAKE study for non-small cell lung cancer had 40 patients randomized at the time of discontinuation.
- This means at least 484 individuals in these two trials had to pivot their treatment plans.
The failure adds to public skepticism about the high-risk, high-reward model of early-stage oncology drug development.
When a publicly traded company like Calithera Biosciences, which raised significant capital, ultimately liquidates, it reinforces a negative public perception. Investors and the public see a total loss of capital and a promising pipeline vanishing, which fuels the narrative that drug development is overly speculative and inefficient. The company's final asset sale in 2023 highlights the financial reality of this high-risk model.
| Metric | Value (Based on 2023 Liquidation/2025 Context) | Social/Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Known Patients Affected by Lead Trial Discontinuations | At least 484 | Immediate need for alternative, often less-advanced, treatment options. |
| Highly Specialized Jobs Lost (Final Wave) | Approximately 50 | Brain drain of precision oncology expertise from the South San Francisco cluster. |
| Maximum Net Proceeds from Asset Sale (to Takeda Ventures, Inc.) | $31.0 million | Minimal recovery for a company that once had a market capitalization near $1 billion, reinforcing investor skepticism. |
The company's pipeline failure reinforces the societal need for more efficient drug development processes.
The failure of multiple programs, including the high-profile telaglenastat, crystallizes the argument for better early-stage biomarkers (biological indicators) and more adaptive clinical trial designs. The current system is too costly and time-consuming, and when a company fails, the societal cost includes the lost opportunity to find a cure. The fact that the company sold its telaglenastat program assets in March 2023, even as it was dissolving, shows an attempt to salvage some value, but the ultimate societal need remains a more effective path from lab to patient.
Finance: draft a report on the capital allocation efficiency of Bay Area biotechs that liquidated in 2023 by Friday.
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA) - PESTLE Analysis: Technological factors
The core technology, focused on glutaminase and arginase inhibitors, is now fragmented across the buyers of the intellectual property (IP).
You need to understand that Calithera Biosciences' technology-the intellectual property (IP) for its glutaminase and arginase inhibitors-didn't just disappear; it was sold off in pieces during the company's 2023 liquidation. This means the core scientific premise is now fragmented, held by different entities that bought specific assets from the Chapter 7 trustee.
The value of this IP was capped by the liquidation process. The former preferred stockholder, Takeda Ventures, Inc., received a Contingent Value Right (CVR) that entitles them to the remaining proceeds from the asset sales, but only up to a maximum of $31.0 million. Honestly, that's a relatively small return for a clinical-stage biotech's entire pipeline. The IP is now scattered, making a unified development strategy for these metabolic targets impossible.
Key clinical trial data from programs like the one for CB-839 is now part of the public domain or controlled by the Chapter 7 trustee.
The definitive data on Calithera's lead glutaminase inhibitor, telaglenastat (formerly CB-839), is public, a permanent record of the technical challenge. The pivotal Phase 2 CANTATA study in advanced clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) failed to hit its primary endpoint in early 2021. The drug, combined with cabozantinib, showed a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.2 months, which was statistically similar to the control arm's 9.3 months. The hazard ratio was 0.94, which tells you everything you need to know: it didn't work. That data is defintely a roadmap for future research, even for competitors.
The public availability of this data is a technological boon for the wider oncology community, even as it was a commercial failure for the company. It clearly defines the limits of glutaminase inhibition as a monotherapy or in certain combinations.
| Program | Target | Key Trial (Example) | Primary Endpoint Result | Data Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telaglenastat (CB-839) | Glutaminase | Phase 2 CANTATA (RCC) | Failed (PFS HR: 0.94) | Public Domain/Clinical Registries |
| Arginase Inhibitors (e.g., CB-1158) | Arginase | Various Phase 1/2 | Data in Public Domain/Trustee Control | Public Domain/Clinical Registries |
The company's failure highlights the technical difficulty of translating promising preclinical data into successful Phase 3 trials.
Calithera's trajectory is a textbook case of the 'valley of death' in biotech, showing the gap between a compelling scientific hypothesis and a clinically meaningful drug. The failure of telaglenastat in Phase 2, and the subsequent liquidation in 2023, underscores the immense technical hurdles in oncology, especially for novel mechanisms like tumor metabolism.
Here's the quick math on the industry-wide risk: Historically, the transition success rate from Phase 2 to Phase 3 is low, but for oncology trials, the failure rate from Phase 3 to regulatory submission is particularly high, sitting around 48%, compared to about 29% for non-oncology trials. Calithera simply couldn't clear that bar. The technical challenge wasn't the chemistry of the drug itself-it was the biology of patient selection and combination therapy.
Advancements in biomarker identification continue to change how future trials for similar targets will be designed.
The technology landscape has moved on, and new tools are emerging to address the precise problem Calithera couldn't solve: identifying the right patients. Future trials for metabolic inhibitors, including next-generation glutaminase or arginase inhibitors, will be fundamentally different because of advancements in biomarker identification (a biological marker that helps predict a drug's effectiveness).
Key technological shifts impacting this space by 2025 include:
- Multi-omics Profiling: Using genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics together to find a comprehensive biomarker signature, not just a single gene mutation.
- Molecular Imaging: Arginase, for example, is now being explored as a potential molecular imaging biomarker, which could allow for non-invasive tracking of disease progression and drug effect.
- AI-Driven Predictive Analytics: Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze complex clinical datasets, like the one Calithera generated, to identify patient subgroups most likely to respond.
So, while Calithera failed, the technological lessons learned from their public data are helping others design smarter, more targeted trials. You won't see another major trial for these targets without a stringent, multi-factor biomarker strategy.
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA) - PESTLE Analysis: Legal factors
The Chapter 7 bankruptcy case remains active in late 2025 for final administrative closure and resolution of any remaining legal disputes.
The transition from a clinical-stage biotech to a liquidating entity is a complex legal process, even after the main assets are sold. Calithera Biosciences filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2023, which was subsequently converted to Chapter 7 liquidation. As of late 2025, the case remains active in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, which is standard for a case of this complexity.
The remaining activity is administrative, focused on the Chapter 7 Trustee's final report, the distribution of any residual funds to creditors, and the resolution of minor claims or objections. This final administrative phase can extend for months, but it represents the tail end of the company's legal existence. The primary legal risk shifts from operational compliance to fiduciary accountability.
Litigation risk for former directors and officers regarding fiduciary duties is a residual legal factor.
A significant legal factor lingering after the bankruptcy conversion is the residual litigation risk for Calithera's former directors and officers (D&O). The Chapter 7 Trustee has a fiduciary duty to investigate potential claims against former management for breaches of fiduciary duty, especially concerning decisions made when the company was in the zone of insolvency-that period before bankruptcy when the board's duty shifts from shareholders to creditors.
While no specific lawsuit is confirmed in late 2025, the risk is high. Recent precedents in the Delaware Chancery Court show derivative suits alleging fiduciary breaches can result in substantial settlements. For context, median settlement amounts for parallel derivative actions in Chancery Court have been reported as high as $12.1 million. This potential liability is typically covered by D&O insurance, but it is a defintely a real legal overhang for the individuals involved.
Patent maintenance fees for the remaining IP must be paid by the new asset owners to keep the protection valid.
The core value of Calithera was its intellectual property (IP), which included drug candidates like INCB001158, CB-280, ATG-037, and CB-668. These assets were sold off in the liquidation process, transferring the legal obligation of patent maintenance to the new owners. Failure to pay patent maintenance fees to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) causes the patent to expire, which is a major risk for the new buyers.
For the utility patents covering these small molecule oncology programs, the new owners must budget for a recurring, non-negotiable cost to keep the 20-year legal protection valid. Here's the quick math on the 2025 USPTO fee schedule for a small entity:
- Payable at 3.5 years: $1,000
- Payable at 7.5 years: $2,000
- Payable at 11.5 years: $4,000
This is a clear legal cost that directly impacts the valuation and viability of the acquired assets for the new owners.
Strict FDA regulations and compliance rules were a major cost burden that contributed to the financial distress.
The strict regulatory environment of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was a major contributing factor to Calithera's financial distress and ultimate liquidation. The legal requirement to conduct rigorous, multi-phase clinical trials and maintain compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and other regulations drove massive, non-revenue-generating expenses.
The sheer scale of this regulatory cost is evident in the company's final operating expenses before bankruptcy. For the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, Calithera reported Research and Development (R&D) expenses of $6.5 million. This R&D spending, which is primarily driven by clinical trial costs, regulatory filings, and compliance overhead, was unsustainable given the company's dwindling cash reserves of $34.1 million at the time. This massive burn rate, mandated by the legal framework, led directly to the cash crunch and bankruptcy filing.
Here is a snapshot of the pre-bankruptcy operational cost structure, highlighting the regulatory burden:
| Expense Category | Q3 2022 Amount | Primary Legal/Regulatory Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Development (R&D) | $6.5 million | FDA-mandated clinical trials, GCP compliance, IND/NDA filings |
| General and Administrative (G&A) | $3.0 million | SEC compliance, legal expenses, D&O insurance, corporate governance |
| Total Operating Expenses | $9.5 million | Overall legal and regulatory overhead for a public, clinical-stage biotech |
The cost of operating within the FDA's legal framework was simply too high for the company to sustain without a major funding event or a successful drug approval.
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA) - PESTLE Analysis: Environmental factors
You're looking for the environmental footprint of a company that ceased operations in 2023, and the direct takeaway is this: the primary 2025 environmental factor for Calithera Biosciences is the lingering liability and documentation trail from its lab closure, which was a costly, compliance-heavy process even for a small firm.
The company's small-scale lab operations meant a minimal environmental footprint; the main 2025 factor is the disposal of residual chemical and biological waste.
Calithera Biosciences was a clinical-stage biopharma, meaning its environmental impact was contained within its research and development (R&D) lab space, not a large manufacturing plant. This small footprint is reflected in the last reported annual financials for 2022, which showed Property, Plant, and Equipment (PP&E) at a modest $0.43 million. Still, a small lab generates highly regulated waste. The core 2025 environmental risk-now a historical cost-was the proper disposal of residual chemical and biological waste.
Here's the quick math: hazardous waste disposal in the US typically ranges from $0.10 to $10 per pound. For a small operation, just a few liters of flammable organic solvents can cost between $700 and $800 to dispose of, due to specialized handling and documentation. This cost adds up fast during a full lab clear-out.
Compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for laboratory decommissioning was a necessary step in the 2023 closure.
The orderly wind-down of Calithera Biosciences in 2023 required strict adherence to federal and state regulations, primarily the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste. This decommissioning process is complex, involving chemical inventory, decontamination, and final closure reports. The company, located in South San Francisco, California, would have been subject to some of the nation's most stringent state-level environmental fees.
For context, a small-quantity hazardous waste generator in California would face a Hazardous Waste Facility Fee for a Series C-Small Quantity standardized permit of $12,626 for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The cost isn't just the disposal; it's the compliance overhead. By 2025, all Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) had a deadline of September 1, 2025, for mandatory re-notification under the EPA's Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule (HWGIR), plus the requirement to register in the EPA's e-Manifest system by January 22, 2025. The defunct company's final act was ensuring all these requirements were met to avoid fines.
| EPA Regulation | 2025 Compliance Action | Impact on CALA's 2023 Closure |
|---|---|---|
| HWGIR (Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule) | SQG Re-Notification due by September 1, 2025 | Required final documentation for generator status closure in 2023 to avoid 2025 obligation. |
| Subpart P (Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals) | Nationwide ban on sewering hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, full enforcement in 2025 | Mandated specialized, non-sewer disposal for all residual pharmaceutical waste during the 2023 lab clear-out. |
| e-Manifest System | LQG/SQG registration deadline of January 22, 2025 | Required electronic tracking for all final hazardous waste shipments during liquidation. |
The biopharma industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable lab practices, a factor the defunct company no longer has to manage.
The broader biopharma sector is under intense pressure to improve its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profile, but Calithera Biosciences is out of the game. For active companies, the pharmaceutical waste management market is estimated to reach $1.52 billion in 2025, driven by stringent EPA rules and public scrutiny. This pressure translates into higher operating costs for things like energy-intensive HVAC systems and ultralow freezers, which consume 2.5 times more energy than standard office space.
The key industry pressures Calithera Biosciences avoided are:
- Implementing new standards for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) reporting, which the EPA is still refining in late 2025.
- Managing the high cost of offsite waste processing, which accounts for 58.78% of the pharmaceutical waste management market share.
- Investing in green chemistry initiatives to reduce solvent and reagent consumption.
Honestly, escaping this rising compliance burden is one of the few financial silver linings of a complete wind-down.
Any future use of the former lab space will require new environmental impact assessments.
The final environmental consideration is the physical space Calithera Biosciences vacated. Once a lab is decommissioned, the new tenant or owner needs assurance the space is clean-a process called a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). The cost to build out a life sciences lab averages $846 per square foot in 2025 across major US markets, which tells you how specialized and expensive these spaces are.
The landlord, or whoever took over the lease, had to ensure Calithera's closure met the 'RCRA empty' standards for all containers and that all surfaces were decontaminated. If the decommissioning was not defintely completed to a high standard in 2023, the residual liability-the risk of a future cleanup being triggered-would fall to the liquidation reserve, which was established to cover contingent and unknown liabilities.
Disclaimer
All information, articles, and product details provided on this website are for general informational and educational purposes only. We do not claim any ownership over, nor do we intend to infringe upon, any trademarks, copyrights, logos, brand names, or other intellectual property mentioned or depicted on this site. Such intellectual property remains the property of its respective owners, and any references here are made solely for identification or informational purposes, without implying any affiliation, endorsement, or partnership.
We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content or products presented. Nothing on this website should be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, medical, or other professional advice. In addition, no part of this site—including articles or product references—constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any securities, franchises, or other financial instruments, particularly in jurisdictions where such activity would be unlawful.
All content is of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. It is not a substitute for professional advice or services. Any actions you take based on the information provided here are strictly at your own risk. You accept full responsibility for any decisions or outcomes arising from your use of this website and agree to release us from any liability in connection with your use of, or reliance upon, the content or products found herein.