Shares of CRISPR stocks tumbled Monday after the Chinese scientist who created the world's first genetically edited babies got a three-year prison sentence after using the same gene-editing method used by the biotech companies.
XOn the stock market today, shares of Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP) toppled 6.3%, to 61.84. Shares of Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) fell 3.9%, to 14.78, and Editas Medicine (EDIT) stock slipped 3.2%, to 29.50.
CRISPR Gene Editing In Embryos
On Monday, a court in Shenzhen sentenced He Jiankui to three years in prison and a $430,000 fine, Chinese news service Xinhua reported. The court sentenced his colleagues, Zhang Renli and Qin Jinzhou, to suspended jail sentences. All three pleaded guilty, according to the report.
The court determined the three scientists violated national regulations on scientific research and medical management, and crossed ethical boundaries of science and medicine. This constituted illegal medical practice, Xinhua said.
In 2018, He shocked the world when he announced twin girls named Lulu and Nana were born after he used CRISPR gene editing to modify their DNA, according to CNN. China state media later claimed He's work modified the DNA of a third baby.
He aimed to ensure Lulu and Nana were born resistant to the HIV virus. The embryos that later became Lulu and Nana came via in vitro fertilization. Then, He altered their DNA using CRISPR gene editing.
The news shocked the medical community, which largely says it's unethical to use CRISPR gene editing to change the DNA of unborn babies. Known as germline edits, they could change the way the genome is passed down to future generations.
Germline Vs. Somatic Editing
Crispr, Intellia and Editas do not make germline edits. A number of countries ban germline editing due to ethical, safety and social concerns. Rather, the companies are using CRISPR gene editing to make so-called somatic edits.
Germline edits impact reproductive cells, including eggs and sperm. Somatic edits only change some of the DNA in one patient and don't have an impact on reproductive cells. Therefore, the changes aren't hereditary.
Crispr Therapeutics is partnering with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) to test CRISPR gene editing in patients with blood diseases beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Editas and Allergan (AGN) are testing out a CRISPR gene-edited drug for an eye disease.
Intellia has yet to begin clinical studies in humans.
Follow Allison Gatlin on Twitter at @IBD_AGatlin.
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The post Gene-Editing Stocks Dive As Creator Of CRISPR Babies Sent To Prison appeared first on Investor's Business Daily.
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