The FDA rejected a Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell therapy from Capricor Therapeutics, as a larger study of the treatment continues.

The company said it was “surprised” by the decision, which followed the ouster of cell and gene therapy officials from the agency during deramiocel’s review.

Capricor Therapeutics (CAPR) on Friday said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to approve its lead cell therapy candidate for the treatment of cardiomyopathy associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.