After initially refusing to suspend Elevidys distribution after two deaths, Sarepta has now given in to the FDA’s request, noting the need to maintain a good working relationship with the regulator.

Sarepta rebuffed a call from the Food and Drug Administration to halt all shipments of its gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy over safety issues, even as patients and investors expressed growing concern about the company’s decision-making.

Sarepta officials said the temporary halt in shipments was done to maintain a productive working relationship with regulators while they address a safety labeling update about the risk of acute liver disease related to Elevidys.

As mothers of children with this disease, we have wept helplessly in recent months as friends — fellow members of a club we never asked to join — said goodbye to their sons, the babies they once held in their arms, whose dreams they held in their hearts until Duchenne robbed them of working muscles or a healthy future.

Sarepta says it will continue to ship Elevidys despite FDA requests that it stop shipments of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy, while Wall Street awaits earnings Monday from Verizon.