Let’s explore their differences and where they stand in terms of DNA editing technology:
Editas Medicine:
- Market Cap: Approximately $4 billion.
- Gene Therapy Candidates:
- EDIT-101: In phase 1 trials, targeting a hereditary retinal disorder that can cause blindness in infants.
- EDIT-301: Under development to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) and beta thalassemia, both hereditary blood disorders.
- Potential Impact:
- EDIT-101 could address a condition affecting over 30,000 patients.
- EDIT-301 targets SCD and beta thalassemia, conditions with a significant patient population.
- Financial Position: Editas has about $500 million in cash on hand and raised additional funds to support its operations.
CRISPR Therapeutics:
- Market Cap: Approximately $5 billion.
- Gene Therapy Candidates:
- CTX001: Already has data from clinical trials for treating beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
- Oncology Pipeline: CRISPR is also specializing in immuno-oncology.
- Potential Impact:
- CTX001 has shown promise in treating blood disorders.
- The oncology pipeline expands CRISPR’s reach beyond rare genetic disorders.
- Financial Position: CRISPR is in a slightly better financial position than Editas.
- CRISPR Therapeutics is further along in terms of clinical-stage development, with data on its key gene therapy candidate already available. Given its potential market reach and financial stability, CRISPR appears to be a safer choice for investors.
- However, in the long term, it’s challenging to predict which company will ultimately be the better stock.
- Both companies contribute to the exciting field of DNA editing technology, and their progress is closely watched by investors and researchers alike.
- Editas is now followed by a number of analysts including, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and Barclays. These three have price targets between $9 and $15 per share at this writing!
- While Editas Medicine and CRISPR Therapeutics are both prominent players in the field of gene editing technology. Let’s explore some of their competitors