CRISPR Therapies, Base Editing and Approvals — 2026-09-25
The biggest story this week came from outside biotech: Anthropic announced its Claude AI model discovered a previously undescribed enzyme system resembling CRISPR, sending gene-editing stocks lower. Meanwhile, Wall Street analysts continue to argue CRISPR Therapeutics is undervalued despite Casgevy's strong commercial ramp.
CRISPR Therapies, Base Editing and Approvals — 2026-09-25
Top developments
Anthropic's Claude discovers new enzyme system in DNA data
Anthropic announced on Wednesday that its Claude model identified a previously undescribed enzyme system in massive DNA sequence data, with repeat arrangements Similar to CRISPR. It is the first result from Anthropic's newly created biology lab, whose team was assembled this spring. The news pushed gene-editing stocks lower, though Seeking Alpha maintained CRISPR Therapeutics remains a long-term Buy anchored by Casgevy and ex vivo editing execution.
Analyst sees 85% upside for CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics, owner of the first approved CRISPR-based gene therapy Casgevy, has traded sideways and down over the past year, priced at $59.03 versus an average analyst target of $87.56. One Wall Street analyst expects roughly 85% gains, citing Casgevy revenue up 151% year-over-year and ongoing pipeline progress. The disconnect underscores commercial momentum not yet reflected in the share price.
Gene-editing market outlook published
A market outlook published September 25 projects gene editing expanding beyond medicine into multiple biotech sectors through 2030, as CRISPR breakthroughs enable new therapies and broader applications. Reports like this frame investor expectations for the commercial landscape as clinical pipelines mature.
Local view
Chinese-language tech media (ChainCatcher) covered the Anthropic announcement extensively, noting it was the debut result of Anthropic's in-house biology lab and linking the stock reaction directly to the discovery. This reflects how AI-lab breakthroughs are now entering Chinese investor discourse around gene editing.
Context & numbers
- Casgevy revenue was up 151% year-over-year; the therapy lists at $2.2 million in the US, with Medicaid covering two-thirds of sickle cell patients — a constraint under CMS's Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model testing outcomes-based agreements.
- CRISPR Therapeutics trades at $59.03 against an average target of $87.56.
On the radar
- Anthropic's newly formed biology lab; further AI-discovered gene-editing systems are expected to be a rumor/watch area flagged as unverified until peer review.
- Intellia's lonvo-z BLA for an in-body CRISPR therapy carries a priority review target date of March 10, 2027 — a key milestone if approved, it would be the first in vivo CRISPR therapy on the market.
- Casgevy quarterly commercial disclosures from Vertex continue to be a recurring catalyst for the stock.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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