Editas Medicine Inc. (EDIT)
NASDAQ
Biotech
Gene Editing
Investment Thesis
Editas is the CRISPR pioneer — founded by Jennifer Doudna and Feng Zhang’s collaborators, holding foundational IP through the Broad Institute. Their lead programme targets Leber Congenital Amaurosis 10 (LCA10), an eye disease that causes blindness — the first in-vivo CRISPR therapy attempt in the human body. They are the highest-risk, highest-upside gene editing bet.
Key Drivers
- In-Vivo Editing Pioneer: Delivering CRISPR directly into the eye is a proof-of-concept for all in-vivo editing.
- Broad Institute IP: Access to foundational CRISPR patents creates licensing income and defensive protection.
- Pipeline Expansion: Sickle cell, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency programmes following the eye disease lead.
Risk Factors
- Clinical Setbacks: LCA10 programme showed modest efficacy improvements; high bar for approval.
- Cash Position: Smaller balance sheet than CRSP means less runway through multiple programme failures.