Gene Editing Tools Proliferate, But Cures Remain Elusive

Biotech companies struggle to turn gene editing breakthroughs into viable treatments for genetic diseases

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:15am

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The gene editing field has seen an explosion of new tools and technologies in recent years, from CRISPR to more advanced techniques like prime editing and integrase-based systems. However, despite billions in investment, biotech companies have struggled to turn these innovations into actual cures for genetic diseases. Several gene editing startups have already shut down, and the industry as a whole faces growing skepticism from investors as the promised breakthroughs have yet to materialize.

Why it matters

The inability of gene editing companies to translate their technological advancements into effective treatments raises questions about the true potential of these tools to revolutionize medicine. With thousands of genetic diseases still lacking cures, the lack of progress is concerning and highlights the challenges of turning laboratory discoveries into real-world therapies.

The details

Scientists have developed increasingly sophisticated gene editing tools, from the original CRISPR technology to newer approaches like prime editing and integrase-based systems that can precisely insert large DNA sequences. However, these tools have faced unexpected hurdles when moving from lab experiments to clinical development. Companies like Intellia and Tome Biosciences have struggled with issues like unpredictable gene insertion, immune reactions, and the inability to reliably deliver the therapies to target tissues. Despite the hype and billions invested, no gene editing cures have yet been approved.

  • In 2021, researchers from MIT unveiled a new gene insertion tool called PASTE that combined CRISPR with a bacterial integrase enzyme.
  • In December 2023, Tome Biosciences launched with $213 million in funding, touting its PASTE-based technology as the "final chapter" in gene editing.
  • By August 2024, Tome Biosciences had shut down after failing to overcome technical challenges with its gene insertion approach.

The players

John Finn

A scientist who previously worked at Intellia Therapeutics and later became the head scientist at the now-defunct Tome Biosciences.

Omar Abudayyeh and Jonathan Gootenberg

Young scientists from MIT who developed the PASTE gene insertion technology.

Basecamp Research

An AI startup that is partnering with John Finn to develop bespoke integrase enzymes for gene insertion therapies.

Averna Therapeutics

A startup that is working on using retrotransposons, or "jumping genes", as a way to deliver gene insertion therapies formulated as RNA.

Fyodor Urnov

A gene editing scientist at the University of California, Berkeley who has criticized the gene editing industry's focus on developing new tools rather than delivering actual cures.

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What they’re saying

“This is the last tool that we've needed in the editing toolbox. This is really the final chapter in genomic medicine.”

— John Finn, Chief Scientist, Tome Biosciences

“The pissing contests, while everyone is drowning, is an embarrassing misuse of resources.”

— Fyodor Urnov, Gene Editing Scientist, University of California, Berkeley

What’s next

Basecamp Research plans to soon release results from cell studies of its AI-designed integrase enzymes, which it hopes will provide a more reliable gene insertion approach than previous technologies.

The takeaway

The gene editing field's relentless pursuit of ever-more powerful tools has yet to translate into meaningful treatments for patients. Despite billions in investment, the industry's inability to overcome technical hurdles and deliver cures highlights the significant challenges of turning laboratory breakthroughs into real-world therapies.