Citi opens ‘positive catalyst watch’ on Crispr Therapeutics, Beam Therapeutics

Citi opened a “30-day positive catalyst watch” on shares of Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP) and Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) ahead of the October 31 FDA panel on Crispr and Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ (VRTX) exa-cel for severe sickle cell disease. This will be the first FDA panel for a gene editing therapy, with the briefing docs and outcome of the panel’s discussion having impacts across the gene editing landscape, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm expects the panel could adopt a similarly positive stance on exa-cel than it did on the two ex vivo autologous gene therapy products Zynteglo and Skysona.