CRSP Stock Rises on Encouraging Early Data From Zugo-Cel Studies

Core Insights - CRISPR Therapeutics' shares increased by 3.7% following positive updates on its CAR-T therapy candidate, zugo-cel, aimed at treating autoimmune diseases and hematologic malignancies [1] Group 1: Autoimmune Disorder Studies - Zugo-cel is currently being evaluated in a phase I basket study for autoimmune rheumatologic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory myositis [2] - As of December 17, 2025, patients treated with zugo-cel showed deep B-cell depletion sustained for at least 28 days, with initial efficacy data indicating significant clinical improvement at the 100-million-cell dose [3] - Zugo-cel was well tolerated in the study, with no serious side effects reported, and further updates are expected in the second half of 2026 [6] Group 2: Immuno-Oncology Program - Zugo-cel is also being studied for relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell malignancies, including large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) and others [8] - The recommended phase II dose for zugo-cel was set at 600 million cells, with strong activity observed, achieving a 90% overall response rate and a 70% complete response rate in relapsed or refractory LBCL patients [10] - A collaboration with Eli Lilly has been established to evaluate zugo-cel in combination with Lilly's BTK inhibitor, Jaypirca, which was approved for treating adults with relapsed or refractory MCL in 2023 [11][12] Group 3: Market Performance - Over the past year, CRISPR Therapeutics' shares have increased by 41.5%, outperforming the industry average increase of 15.5% [4]