I
nvestors’ bullishness on the potential of gene-editing technologies has turned a trio of startups into multibillion-dollar enterprises. But some unforeseen scientific findings, courtesy of a pair of new scientific papers, provides a jarring reminder to the market: Until this newfangled technology is proved safe in actual humans, investing in CRISPR stocks will remain a head-spinning experience.
Collectively, CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP), Editas Medicine (EDIT), and Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) lost nearly $500 million in value Monday after two freshly published papers warned that gene-edited cells could be breeding grounds for cancer. Each paper is based on preclinical research, and scientists said the findings were hardly a death knell for the nascent field of CRISPR. But Wall Street, wary of any safety concerns that could derail gene-editing medicines’ path to the clinic, wasn’t feeling patient.
Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT Plus. Try it FREE for 30 days!
SUBSCRIBE TODAYWhat is it?
STAT Plus is a premium subscription that delivers daily market-moving biopharma coverage and in-depth science reporting from a team with decades of industry experience.
What's included?
- Authoritative biopharma coverage and analysis, interviews with industry pioneers, policy analysis, and first looks at cutting edge laboratories and early stage research
- Subscriber-only networking events and panel discussions across the country
- Monthly subscriber-only live chats with our reporters and experts in the field
- Discounted tickets to industry events and early-bird access to industry reports
About the Author
