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Precision Bio climbs on near-$1.5bn sickle cell pact with Novartis

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Novartis has shouldered its way into the in vivo gene editing category via a deal with US biotech Precision BioSciences, focused on a therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). Other companies – notably Vertex Pharma/CRISPR Therapeutics and bluebird bio – are taking an ex vivo approach to SCD and thalassaemia and are much closer to market.

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Vertex eyes controllable genetic drugs with $1.3bn Obsidian alliance

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Vertex Pharma has ramped up its involvement in gene-editing medicines for the second time in a week, paying Obsidian Therapeutics $75 million upfront to access its technology platform. . Alternatively, a drug can be administered that switches off the genetic medicine and brings protein expression to a halt.