Is Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP) The Best Gene-Editing Stock to Buy Now?

Group 1 - Crispr Therapeutics Ag (NASDAQ:CRSP) has seen a 16% increase in share price over the past 12 months, with ARK Investment increasing its stake by 8% in Q4, resulting in a $10.5 million position [1] - The company holds a first-mover advantage in the gene editing and gene therapy sectors, with its CRISPR-based treatment already approved by the FDA [2] - Crispr's CASGEVY therapy for severe sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia is generating revenue through a partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals [2] Group 2 - Hedge fund sentiment towards Crispr Therapeutics increased in Q4, with 32 funds holding the stock, up from 31 in the previous quarter [3] - The FDA approved Crispr's CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing therapy for sickle cell disease in December 2023, after nearly six years of clinical trials [3] - The therapy, Casgevy, disrupts the BCL11A gene to promote the production of fetal hemoglobin, providing a functional cure for sickle cell disease, which affects approximately 1 in 365 Black or African American births [3] - The treatment costs about $2.2 million per use but is expected to be a one-time treatment, with potential lifetime healthcare savings estimated between $4 million and $6 million [3] - Crispr retains 40% of profits from the partnership with Vertex, which has invested nearly $1.1 billion to increase its stake in the commercialization of Casgevy [3]