CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) has entered a $95 million upfront partnership with China-based Sirius Therapeutics to co-develop an siRNA drug targeting blood clotting disorders. This marks a strategic shift for CRISPR, traditionally focused on gene editing, recognizing that siRNA’s reversible gene silencing offers advantages for some conditions where permanent DNA edits are risky, such as inhibiting factor XI, a clotting protein, where gene editing could cause bleeding complications.
A scientist in a laboratory working on a gene editing tool, to create treatments for rare genetic diseases.
Under the deal, CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) will pay $25 million upfront plus a $70 million equity investment in Sirius. Both companies will share development costs and profits equally, with CRSP handling U.S. commercialization and Sirius covering Greater China. The siRNA drug, SRSD107, showed promising Phase 1 results by reducing factor XI levels up to 95% and is advancing toward a Phase 3 trial by late 2026.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP)’s CEO, Samarth Kulkarni, highlighted the complementary nature of siRNA and gene editing, stating siRNA’s quicker regulatory path accelerates commercialization compared to gene editing’s longer timeline. The company retains excitement about its CRISPR-based cardiovascular programs, including ANGPTL3 and lipoprotein(a) gene edits, but is open to licensing more siRNA assets from Sirius. This diversified approach aims to build a best-in-class cardiovascular franchise by applying the most appropriate technology for each target.
Shortly after, Piper Sandler analyst Raghuram Selvaraju maintained an Overweight rating on CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) with a $50 price target, citing the Sirius collaboration as a potential near-term revenue catalyst.
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