FDA lifts hold on IND for CRISPR's sickle cell trial

CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) and partner Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX) said FDA lifted a clinical hold on an IND for a Phase I/II trial of gene therapy CTX001 to treat sickle cell disease. Vertex declined to disclose details, and CRISPR did not respond to inquiries.

The partners said they are on track to start the U.S. Phase I/II trial by year end. FDA placed the clinical hold in May (see “FDA Places Hold on CRISPR’s Sickle Cell Trial”)...