Cantor Fitzgerald has downgraded CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ: CRSP) to Neutral from Overweight, noting that its sickle cell therapy, exa-cel, in partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: VRTX), is expected to be approved on or around its PDUFA date (8 December).
The analyst also notes that the AdComm panel (31 October) could feature some interesting new disclosures, and CMC considerations pose an unquantifiable risk.
However, Cantor expects a positive recommendation, given exa-cel's highly favorable benefit-risk in a severe indication.
Driven by Vertex's support and experience, exa-cel is ...