** Shares of drug developer Fulcrum Therapeutics FULC.O fall about 49% to $3.28 after the bell

** Co says it is discontinuating development of its experimental pociredir program for the treatment of sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder

** Adds will explore potential strategic alternatives, including, but not limited to, a merger, acquisition, business combination, or other strategic transactions involving the company or its assets

** Says FDA raised concerns regarding pociredir's benefit-risk profile in SCD, stemming from an unexpectedly high rate of secondary hematologic malignancies observed with Ipsen's IPN.PA drug called Tazverik which was recently withdrawn from the global market

** Co has initiated efforts to significantly reduce its operating expenses and preserve capital

** As of March 31, 2026, Fulcrum had $333.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities

** FULC down 43% YTD