DNA Wars in Cambridge

Three Cambridge biotech startups are vying for control of a revolutionary gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9. On the line are a billion-dollar market, a potential Nobel Prize, and, yes, the power to resurrect an extinct species.
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CRISPR-Cas9 at a Glance

Editas Medicine

Offices: 300 Third Street, Cambridge
Key Researchers: Feng Zhang and George Church
Key Areas of Research: Sickle cell anemia; a rare form of blindness; cancer
Funding: $163 million
Research Partners: A venture with Juno Therapeutics potentially worth up to $737 million

Intellia Therapeutics

Offices: 130 Brookline Street, Cambridge
Key Researchers: Jennifer Doudna
Key Areas of Research: Sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders; autoimmune disorders; inflammatory diseases
Funding: $85 million
Research Partners: A five-year research and development venture with Novartis worth an undisclosed amount

CRISPR Therapeutics

Offices: 200 Sidney Street, Cambridge
Key Researchers: Emmanuelle Charpentier
Key Areas of Research: Sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and other blood disorders; a form of blindness; congenital heart disease
Funding: $89 million
Research Partners: A $105 million venture with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and a $335 million venture with Bayer

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