How does Editas’ development timeline compare to its CRISPR competitors such as CRISPR Therapeutics and Intellia Therapeutics?

Development‑timeline comparison

Editas Medicine (EDIT) is still a few years behind its two best‑known CRISPR peers. The company will only choose its lead program in September 2025, with an IND filing targeted for mid‑2026 and the first human proof‑of‑concept (PoC) read‑out expected by the end of 2026. By contrast, CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) and Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) have already moved into IND‑stage or early‑phase 1 trials for their flagship assets. CRISPR Therapeutics’s lead programs (e.g., CTX001 for β‑thalassemia/sickle‑cell disease and CTX110 for solid‑tumor oncology) are in Phase 1/2 with INDs filed in 2023‑2024, and data read‑outs are slated for 2024‑2025. Intellia’s lead oncology and liver‑targeted programs are also in Phase 1 with INDs filed in 2023 and first‑in‑human data expected in 2025.

Trading implications

The lag in Editas’ timeline translates into a longer “cash‑burn” runway and heightened execution risk, which is already reflected in its modest‑to‑negative sentiment (30) and a discount to the CRISPR peer group’s valuation multiples (e.g., lower EV/‑R&D spend, lower forward‑PE). Until Editas delivers a concrete IND or PoC milestone, the stock is likely to remain price‑sensitive to broader biotech risk‑off moves and to any forward‑looking guidance from competitors. A short‑position or defensive stance may be justified if the market remains risk‑averse, while a long‑bias could be considered on a breakout above key technical resistance (≈$12‑$13) if the September lead‑candidate selection is confirmed and the IND timeline is accelerated. In short, Editas’ later development horizon makes it a higher‑risk, longer‑duration play relative to CRISPR Therapeutics and Intellia, and traders should price‑in that timing gap when positioning.