On August 4, 2025 CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP), a biopharmaceutical company focused on creating transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Press release, CRISPR Therapeutics, AUG 4, 2025, View Source [SID1234654716]).
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"We are entering the second half of the year with momentum across both our commercial and clinical programs," said Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics. "The activation of 75 authorized treatment centers for CASGEVY has been achieved, marking a meaningful step in expanding patient access, while clinical trials across multiple other programs continue to advance. Looking ahead, we expect several key milestones including the presentation of complete Phase 1 data for CTX310, as well as updates across our oncology and autoimmune portfolios. Our focus remains on delivering transformative therapies for patients with critical unmet needs."
Recent Highlights and Outlook
Hemoglobinopathies and CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel])
CASGEVY is a non-viral, ex vivo, CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited cell therapy for eligible patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) or transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT), designed to eliminate both vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and transfusion requirements. CASGEVY is approved in the U.S., Great Britain, the EU, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain), Qatar, Canada, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the treatment of both SCD and TDT. Building on the foundational launch in 2024, significant progress is being made to bring this transformative therapy to patients worldwide.
The target of activating 75 authorized treatment centers (ATCs) globally has been achieved, marking an important milestone in the commercial rollout of CASGEVY. Since launch through June 30, approximately 115 patients have completed their first cell collection, and 29 patients have received infusions of CASGEVY, including 16 infused in the second quarter. The launch of CASGEVY is building strong momentum, positioning the program for significant growth and broader impact.
Through reimbursement agreements, Vertex has secured access for eligible SCD and TDT patients in 10 countries. Recent agreements include Northern Ireland, Scotland and Denmark. Efforts are ongoing with government and reimbursement authorities globally to secure access for eligible patients.
CRISPR Therapeutics continues to advance its next-generation approaches designed to significantly broaden the addressable patient population for SCD and TDT. The Company’s internally developed targeted conditioning program, an anti-CD117 (c-Kit) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), remains on track in preclinical development. In parallel, the Company is making continued progress in its in vivo editing platform aimed at enabling direct editing of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) without the need for conditioning. By potentially eliminating the need for conditioning, this approach could unlock access to transformative therapies for a significantly larger patient population.
Immuno-Oncology and Autoimmune Disease Programs
Clinical trials are ongoing for the Company’s next-generation allogeneic CAR T product candidates, CTX112 and CTX131, targeting CD19 and CD70, respectively, across multiple indications. Both candidates incorporate novel potency edits designed to significantly enhance CAR T cell expansion and cytotoxicity, positioning them as potential best-in-class therapies.
CTX112, targeting CD19, is in development for hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Preliminary clinical data support a differentiated profile with strong clinical benefit combined with the convenience of an "off-the-shelf" therapy.
In relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, encouraging results from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial led to the FDA granting Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for CTX112 in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma.
A Phase 1 trial of CTX112 is ongoing in autoimmune indications, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis and inflammatory myositis. Preliminary safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic data from oncology trials support its potential in autoimmune indications.
The Company plans to provide a broad update for CTX112 in oncology and autoimmune disease in the second half of 2025.
CTX131, targeting CD70, is in development for both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Clinical trials for CTX131 are ongoing, with an update expected in 2025.
CRISPR Therapeutics’ immuno-oncology and autoimmune disease efforts are supported by a wholly-owned, U.S. manufacturing facility located in Framingham, MA. This investment enables the production of clinical and commercial-stage good manufacturing practice (GMP) materials across the Company’s allogeneic cell therapy programs.
In Vivo Liver Editing Programs
CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a pipeline of in vivo gene editing candidates targeting major unmet needs in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases using its proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform.
CTX310 is in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial targeting ANGPTL3 in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG), heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), or mixed dyslipidemias. ANGPTL3 loss-of-function mutations are linked to reduced in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and a lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), without adverse effects on overall health. In the U.S., more than 40 million patients have elevated LDL, severely elevated TGs or both. CTX310 is initially focused on a high-risk subset of this group with the greatest unmet medical need and limited effective treatment options.
In June, the Company reported data for CTX310, demonstrating dose-dependent reductions in ANGPTL3, TG, and LDL following a single administration. As dose-range finding continues, data to date demonstrate peak reductions of up to 82% in TG and LDL reductions of up to 86% at DL4 without any clinically significant changes in liver enzymes and a safety and tolerability profile consistent with previous findings.
These initial results represent a significant milestone in the advancement of CRISPR Therapeutics’ proprietary LNP delivery technologies for gene editing in the liver. The Company anticipates presenting the complete Phase 1 data for CTX310 at a medical meeting in the second half of 2025.
CTX320 is in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial targeting the LPA gene in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a genetically determined risk factor associated with an increased incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Elevated Lp(a) levels affect up to 20% of the global population and remain unaddressed by current therapies. The Company plans to provide an update in the first half of 2026.
CRISPR Therapeutics continues to advance two preclinical programs: CTX340, targeting angiotensinogen (AGT) for the treatment of refractory hypertension, and CTX450, targeting 5’ aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) for the treatment of acute hepatic porphyrias (AHP). Both candidates are currently in IND/CTA-enabling studies.
SRSD107
In May, the Company entered a strategic collaboration with Sirius Therapeutics to jointly develop and commercialize small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies, beginning with SRSD107, a long-acting Factor XI (FXI) siRNA. Under the partnership, development and commercialization will be shared, with CRISPR Therapeutics leading efforts in the U.S. and Sirius in Greater China. The agreement also grants CRISPR Therapeutics the option to nominate two additional siRNA targets for future development. This collaboration expands CRISPR Therapeutics’ capabilities, enabling the development of a broader range of transformative gene-based medicines beyond its current gene-editing programs in the clinic.
In July, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorized the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of SRSD107 for thromboembolic disorders. The study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SRSD107 in preventing post-operative venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and aims to confirm its anticoagulant potential.
Regenerative Medicine Programs
CRISPR Therapeutics continues to advance its regenerative medicine efforts in Type 1 diabetes (T1D). In addition to CTX211, the Company is developing next-generation programs focusing on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived, allogeneic, gene-edited, beta islet cell precursors. These approaches aim to enable insulin independence in T1D patients without the need for chronic immunosuppression. The Company expects to provide an update in 2025.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $1,721.2 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $1,903.8 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in cash was primarily driven by operating expenses, as well as the $25.0 million upfront cash payment made as part of the Sirius Agreement, offset by proceeds from interest income and proceeds from the issuance of common shares and option exercise activity.
R&D Expenses: R&D expenses were $69.9 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $80.2 million for the second quarter of 2024. The decrease in R&D expense was primarily driven by a decrease in employee-related expenses, including stock-based compensation expenses.
Acquired In-Process R&D Expenses: Acquired in-process R&D expenses were $96.3 million for the second quarter of 2025 related to costs incurred upon entering the Sirius Agreement during the second quarter of 2025.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $18.9 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $19.5 million for the second quarter of 2024.
Collaboration Expense: Collaboration expense, net, was $45.2 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $52.1 million for the second quarter of 2024. The decrease in collaboration expense, net, was primarily attributable to an increase in CASGEVY revenue, as well as a decrease in operating expenses for the program.
Net Loss: Net loss was $208.5 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $126.4 million for the second quarter of 2024.
About CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel])
CASGEVY is a non-viral, ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited cell therapy for eligible patients with SCD or TDT, in which a patient’s own hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are edited at the erythroid specific enhancer region of the BCL11A gene. This edit results in the production of high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF; hemoglobin F) in red blood cells. HbF is the form of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin that is naturally present during fetal development, which then switches to the adult form of hemoglobin after birth. CASGEVY has been shown to reduce or eliminate recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) for patients with SCD and transfusion requirements for patients with TDT. CASGEVY is approved for certain indications in multiple jurisdictions for eligible patients.
About the CRISPR Therapeutics – Vertex Collaboration for CASGEVY
CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex entered into a strategic research collaboration in 2015 focused on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to discover and develop potential new treatments aimed at the underlying genetic causes of human disease. CASGEVY represents the first potential treatment to emerge from the joint research program. Under an amended collaboration agreement, Vertex now leads global development, manufacturing, and commercialization of CASGEVY and splits program costs and profits worldwide 60/40 with CRISPR Therapeutics. Vertex is the manufacturer and exclusive license holder of CASGEVY.
About CTX112
CTX112 is being developed for both oncology and autoimmune indications. CTX112 is a next-generation, wholly-owned, allogeneic CAR T product candidate targeting Cluster of Differentiation 19, or CD19, which incorporates edits designed to evade the immune system, enhance CAR T potency, and reduce CAR T exhaustion. CTX112 is being investigated in an ongoing clinical trial designed to assess safety and efficacy of the product candidate in adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies who have received at least two prior lines of therapy. In addition, CTX112 is being investigated in an ongoing clinical trial designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the product candidate in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory myositis.
About CTX131
CTX131 is being developed for both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including T cell lymphomas (TCL). CTX131 is a next-generation, wholly-owned, allogeneic CAR T product candidate targeting Cluster of Differentiation 70, or CD70, an antigen expressed on various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. CTX131 incorporates edits designed to evade the immune system, prevent fratricide, enhance CAR T potency, and reduce CAR T exhaustion. CTX131 is being investigated in ongoing clinical trials designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the product candidate in adult patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including TCL.
About In Vivo Programs
CRISPR Therapeutics has established a proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 to the liver. The Company’s in vivo portfolio includes its lead investigational programs, CTX310 (directed towards angiopoietin-related protein 3 (ANGPTL3)) and CTX320 (directed towards LPA, the gene encoding apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), a major component of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]). Both are validated therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease. CTX310 and CTX320 are in ongoing clinical trials in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemias, or severe hypertriglyceridemia, and in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a), respectively. In addition, the Company’s research and preclinical development candidates include CTX340 and CTX450, targeting angiotensinogen (AGT) for refractory hypertension and 5’-aminolevulinate synthase 1 (ALAS1) for acute hepatic porphyria (AHP), respectively.
About SRSD107
SRSD107 is a novel double-stranded small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA). Developed initially by Sirius Therapeutics, SRSD107 specifically targets the human coagulation factor XI (FXI) mRNA and inhibits FXI protein expression, thereby blocking the intrinsic coagulation pathway and promoting anticoagulant/anti-thrombotic effects.