Krystal Biotech Inc. is moving ahead with plans to start a pivotal phase III test of its off-the-shelf topical gene therapy for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) in the second half of 2019 after interim data from two patients in its ongoing phase I/II test met all primary efficacy endpoints. Pivotal testing of the candidate, KB-103, is expected to last about six months, with a potential six-month FDA review to follow. Company shares (NASDAQ:KRYS) climbed 27.6 percent on the news to close at $20.