Top Gene Editing Stocks to Watch in 2026

The gene editing market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections estimating its size to reach approximately $12.28 billion in 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% from 2025. Other forecasts suggest the genome editing market could exceed $12.84 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 16.95% from 2026 to 2035. This expansion is driven by the increasing adoption of advanced genetic engineering technologies across biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical research sectors. North America is expected to maintain a significant share of this market, estimated at 32.3% in 2026, thanks to robust research infrastructure and the presence of major industry players.

At the heart of this revolution is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology, which is expected to contribute the highest share of the market by technology, at 35.2% in 2026. CRISPR-based therapies are poised to be approved for at least five major genetic diseases by 2026, including sickle cell anemia and genetic blindness. This year, we're seeing continued clinical translation of gene editing therapies, regulatory approvals, and increased industry investment, all contributing to the sector's momentum. This isn't just about treating diseases; it's about potentially curing them, offering new hope for conditions like sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and various cancers.

CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) stands out as a pioneer in the gene editing space, having co-founded by Nobel laureate Emmanuelle Charpentier. The company, in partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX), achieved a significant milestone in December 2023 by securing the first-ever regulatory approval for a CRISPR gene-editing therapy, Casgevy, for treating sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT). This approval was a game-changer, demonstrating that gene editing can move from preclinical promise to regulated, reimbursed medicine.

As of July 9, 2026, CRSP stock traded around $60.00, with a market capitalization of approximately $5.22 billion. While the company has historically been unprofitable, it boasts a robust balance sheet with about $2.4 billion in cash and investments as of Q1 2026, providing a runway for ongoing development. Analysts, like Morgan Stanley, have upgraded their outlook on CRSP, raising price targets to $60, citing better visibility around the Casgevy launch and potential in its in vivo delivery pipeline. HC Wainwright & Co. also reiterated a 'Buy' rating with an $80.00 price target on July 8, 2026.

Looking ahead in 2026, CRISPR Therapeutics anticipates several key milestones. These include continued global commercialization of Casgevy, with regulatory submissions for patients aged 5-11 expected in the first half of 2026. The company also expects updates in the second half of 2026 from its Phase 1b clinical trial of CTX310 for severe hypertriglyceridemia and refractory hypercholesterolemia, and from its zugo-cel program in B-cell malignancies. They also plan to initiate clinical trials for CTX460 for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and CTX340 for refractory hypertension in mid-2026 and the first half of 2026, respectively. These clinical readouts represent potential catalysts that could significantly impact the stock.

Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA), co-founded by Jennifer Doudna, is a clinical-stage genome editing company focused on developing treatments using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, particularly emphasizing in vivo (in the body) gene editing. In 2021, Intellia and its partner, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN), announced the first clinical data supporting the use of in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in humans. This marked a crucial step forward for the technology, showing it could safely and effectively edit genes directly within a patient's body.

As of July 9, 2026, Intellia's stock traded around $15.41, with a market cap of approximately $2.00 billion. Despite recent daily and weekly dips, the stock has seen a 30-day return of 24.83% and a year-to-date return of 82.84%. Analysts at Wedbush maintained a 'Neutral' rating on July 10, 2026, but raised their price target to $17.00, indicating potential upside. Some analyses suggest NTLA could be undervalued by as much as 37% compared to its fair value, based on long-term forecasts and the expanding addressable market for its programs.

Intellia's lead in vivo candidates include NTLA-2001 for transthyretin amyloidosis and NTLA-2002 for hereditary angioedema. The company has a diversified strategic footprint, with programs in immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease, and non-liver delivery through collaborations. Intellia has also shown strong earnings execution, beating estimates in seven of the last eight quarters, with its most recent quarter on April 30, 2026, delivering an EPS beat of 10.4%. These ongoing clinical developments and financial performance make NTLA a key player to watch in the gene editing space.

Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) is a leading company in the next generation of gene editing: base editing. Unlike traditional CRISPR-Cas9, which makes double-stranded breaks in DNA, base editing allows for precise, single-letter changes to the DNA code without cutting both strands. This approach is believed to offer a potentially superior safety profile and greater precision, reducing certain safety risks. Beam's mission is to develop precision genetic medicines through this innovative platform.

On July 9, 2026, BEAM shares traded around $38.21, with a market capitalization of approximately $3.30 billion. While the stock experienced a 6.9% dip on July 10, 2026, analysts remain broadly positive, with a consensus rating of 'Moderate Buy' and an average price target of $46.85. The company recently reported better-than-expected quarterly results, posting a smaller-than-expected loss and revenue of $31.74 million, up 323.2% year over year.

Beam is advancing several programs, with significant focus on its base editing platform. The company shared robust data from 31 dosed adult and adolescent trial participants, suggesting its treatments could be as effective as Casgevy. Beam intends to file for commercialization with the FDA by the end of 2026, which would be a major catalyst. Its pipeline includes treatments for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, leveraging its base editing technology to potentially offer a one-time, curative solution. The progress of these clinical trials and potential regulatory filings are critical events for investors to monitor.

Beyond the leading trio, other companies are making significant strides in the gene editing landscape. Editas Medicine (EDIT), a clinical-stage genome editing company, focuses on developing transformative genomic medicines using CRISPR technology. As of July 9, 2026, EDIT stock traded around $2.98, with a market cap of $563.2 million. The company's pipeline includes EDIT-101, an FDA-approved treatment for Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10), which received accelerated approval in late 2025. EDIT-101 uses an in vivo intraocular injection to edit the CEP290 gene in retinal cells, showing significant improvement in light sensitivity in 70% of participants. Editas is also advancing EDIT-301 for sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, and EDIT-401 for hyperlipidemia, with early human proof-of-concept data for EDIT-401 expected by year-end 2026. While analysts have a 'Buy' consensus rating for EDIT, with a median 12-month price target of $4.67, the stock can be volatile.

Verve Therapeutics (VERV) is another interesting player, distinguishing itself by developing gene editing medicines specifically for cardiovascular disease. This focus sets it apart from many companies primarily targeting rare diseases. As of July 9, 2026, VERV stock was priced at $11.13, with a market capitalization of $992.16 million. In July 2025, Eli Lilly acquired Verve, aiming to advance one-time treatments for people with high cardiovascular risk. Verve's pipeline includes VERVE-101 in the Heart-1 trial and VERVE-102 in the Heart-2 trial for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and premature coronary artery disease. Clinical results released in April 2025 showed VERVE-102 decreased blood PCSK9 protein levels by 46–60% and LDL cholesterol levels by 21–53% in patients. Analysts have a 'Buy' rating with a median price target of $12.75 for VERV.