Roche Holding AG said on Tuesday it has paused shipments of muscular disorder gene therapy Elevidys in some countries outside the U.S., echoing a similar decision by U.S. partner Sarepta Therapeutics.

The Swiss company, which markets Elevidys abroad, said it believes the benefit-risk balance to treatment remains positive in Duchenne patients who can still walk, however.

Roche is following its partner Sarepta and halting shipments of the Duchenne gene therapy Elevidys in some countries, amid safety concerns.