Editas Medicine Shifts Focus to In Vivo Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell, Signs $238 Million Biobucks Pact

Oct 24, 2024, 05:36 AM

Editas Medicine is shifting its focus from its lead ex vivo sickle cell treatment to an in vivo gene therapy approach. The company has signed a $238 million biobucks agreement and is seeking a partner for its advanced ex vivo sickle cell disease program. Editas aims to achieve proof-of-concept data and become the first CRISPR-focused company to declare in vivo sickle cell treatment as its lead program. This strategic pivot, announced on Tuesday, is seen as a significant breakthrough in the field of CRISPR gene editing, although major hurdles remain.