Editas is seen as a slow developer in the CRISPR-based therapeutics field compared with its rivals but its new CEO has unveiled a new strategy to speed progress.

From a scientific perspective, the outlook for patient with rare disease has never been brighter. This year, 13 new cell or gene therapies could be approved in the US, Europe or both by the end of 2023. However, the challenges that stop patients accessing new therapies remain. Could this year be the turning point when our health care systems start to catch up with our science?

After ending 2022 with more than $1bn in cash, the US firm is keen to validate its in vivo approach to gene therapy with investigational new drug applications and pivotal trials lined up for two core rare disease programs.

Public Company Edition: NewAmsterdam grossed $328m in its SPAC merger, while Liminatus may raise up to $316m in a new SPAC deal. Also, Intellia and Iveric grossed $300m each in follow-on offerings, bluebird sold a PRV for $102m and MEI ends zandelisib development resulting in layoffs.