EDIT-401 gene-editing data and trial path at Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT)
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Editas Medicine reported new preclinical results and development plans for EDIT-401, its lead in vivo gene‑editing candidate for hyperlipidemia. In non-human primates, a single dose produced about 90% or greater average reductions in LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and apolipoprotein B, key drivers of cardiovascular risk.
At a therapeutically relevant dose of 1.5 mg/kg, EDIT-401 was described as well-tolerated, with no adverse clinical observations, no notable treatment-related liver enzyme elevations, no liver histopathology findings, and a mean functional liver editing rate of 12.4%. Higher doses of 3 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg led to liver enzyme increases and adverse observations at the top dose.
The company plans to submit a Clinical Trial Notification in Australia by mid-2026, aiming to start a first-in-human trial in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia later in 2026 and obtain early in vivo human proof-of-concept data by year-end 2026. The proposed Phase 1/2 design includes a Part 1 single ascending dose study in about 18 patients and a Part 2 randomized, placebo-controlled expansion in about 28 patients, with Part 1 topline results expected in 2027. Editas also received FDA pre-IND feedback it believes supports a future U.S. IND for EDIT-401.
Positive
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Insights
Strong EDIT-401 primate lipid data with clear 2026–2027 trial path, but still preclinical.
Editas Medicine highlights EDIT-401 as a one-time in vivo gene-editing approach that upregulates LDL receptors to reduce multiple atherogenic lipoproteins. In non-human primates, a single dose achieved about 90% or greater mean reductions in LDL-C, Lp(a), and ApoB, suggesting broad lipid lowering from one intervention.
Tolerability at the therapeutically relevant 1.5 mg/kg dose looked favorable, with no adverse clinical observations, no notable treatment-related liver enzyme elevations, and no liver histopathology findings, alongside a mean liver editing rate of 12.4%. However, higher doses at 3 and 6 mg/kg showed liver enzyme increases and adverse observations at the top dose, underscoring the importance of dose selection.
The company outlines an ambitious path: submit an Australian CTN by mid-2026, start a first-in-human HeFH trial later in 2026, seek early in vivo human proof-of-concept by year-end 2026, and deliver Part 1 topline data in 2027. All of this remains subject to regulatory review and the usual uncertainties around translating preclinical gene-editing data into human safety and efficacy.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia medical
Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) regulatory
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) technical
Investigational New Drug Application (IND) regulatory
lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) medical
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On May 26, 2026, Editas Medicine, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release titled “Editas Medicine Presents EDIT-401 Preclinical Data Demonstrating Robust Reductions in LDL-C, Lp(a), and ApoB in Non-Human Primates at the 94th European Atherosclerosis Society Congress”, a copy of which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is intended to be furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On May 25, 2026, the Company announced in an oral presentation at the 94th European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Congress new preclinical data for EDIT-401, its lead in vivo development candidate, from preclinical studies in non-human primates (“NHPs”). In the data presented, EDIT-401 achieved robust reductions in LDL-cholesterol (“LDL-C”), lipoprotein(a) (“Lp(a)”), and apolipoprotein B (“ApoB”). The findings presented included:
| · | A single dose of EDIT-401 achieved a 90% or greater mean reduction in LDL-C, with rapid and dose-dependent effect, across a dose range and with durability through six months. |
| · | A single dose of EDIT-401 achieved rapid, dose-dependent mean reduction of approximately 90% in Lp(a), an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (“ASCVD”). |
| · | A single dose of EDIT-401 achieved rapid, dose-dependent mean reduction of approximately 90% in ApoB, a key measure of total plaque-causing cholesterol particles and predictive measure for ASCVD. |
| · | The reductions in LDL-C, Lp(a), and ApoB were highly correlated, supporting a unified mechanism facilitated by upregulation of the LDL receptor. |
The Company continues to advance preclinical studies for EDIT-401, including an ongoing Good Laboratory Practice (“GLP”) toxicology study in NHPs. Interim results from this study were consistent with the Company’s other preclinical studies, each of which demonstrated EDIT-401 was well-tolerated at the therapeutically relevant dose of 1.5 mg/kg with no adverse clinical observations, no notable treatment-related liver enzyme elevations, and no liver histopathology findings in non-GLP toxicology. EDIT-401 showed low functional liver editing rates with a mean of 12.4% at the therapeutically relevant dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Low editing was detected in the adrenal gland, spleen and ovary, and no significant editing was observed in any other of 31 total extrahepatic tissues compared to the vehicle control. Doses of 3 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg, which are greater than the therapeutically relevant dose, were also evaluated. There were minimal to marked liver enzyme increases and non-adverse liver findings in NHPs administered 3 mg/kg and adverse clinical observations were observed in one NHP at the highest dose of 6 mg/kg.
The Company plans to submit a Clinical Trial Notification (“CTN”) in Australia to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in mid-2026, with the goal of initiating a first-in-human clinical trial of EDIT-401 in patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (“HeFH”) later in 2026 and expects to have early in vivo human proof of concept data for EDIT-401 by the end of 2026. The Company anticipates that the clinical trial will initially be designed as a two-part Phase 1/2 trial. Part 1 is expected to be a single ascending dose, dose-finding study and is expected to enroll approximately 18 patients with HeFH in three dosing arms. Eligible patients will have a clinical diagnosis of HeFH with an elevated LDL-C despite treatment with two or more lipid lowering therapies. The Company plans to complete enrollment of Part 1 and have topline data results available in 2027. The Company expects that Part 2 of the trial will be a single-dose randomized, placebo-controlled expansion study with approximately 28 patients, and that if the data from the Phase 1/2 trial warrant advancing EDIT-401, the Company would advance EDIT-401 into a single, pivotal randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with HeFH, with or without existing ASCVD or coronary artery disease. These clinical trial plans are subject to further discussion and alignment with regulatory authorities.
The Company also received pre-IND feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on its nonclinical package, CMC plans, and study design to support an Investigational New Drug Application (“IND”) for EDIT-401, which the Company believes provides optionality for submitting an IND supportive of the Company’s anticipated clinical development strategy.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K include statements regarding the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Company’s preclinical studies and its research and development programs, including initiating a first-in-human study for EDIT-401 in 2026 and achievement of early in vivo human proof-of-concept data for EDIT-401 by the end of 2026; the potential of, and expectations for, EDIT-401; and the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, including submitting a CTN in Australia by mid-2026 for EDIT-401. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials; availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; uncertainties relating to planned regulatory submissions to initiate clinical trials, including that results of preclinical studies will warrant such submissions or that regulatory agencies may require additional preclinical studies, that regulatory submissions shall occur on the expected timelines and that regulatory authorities will provide clearance for trials to be initiated; that the results and outcome of preclinical studies may not be predictive of the results of clinical trials; and the availability of funding sufficient for the Company’s foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the caption “Risk Factors” included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other filings that the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K represent the Company’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Except as required by law, the Company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit No. |
Description | |
| 99.1 | Press release issued by the Company on May 26, 2026* | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
*This exhibit shall be deemed to be furnished and not filed.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| EDITAS MEDICINE, INC. | ||
| Date: May 26, 2026 | By: | /s/ Amy Parison |
| Amy Parison | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
Exhibit 99.1
Editas Medicine Presents EDIT-401 Preclinical Data Demonstrating Robust Reductions in LDL-C, Lp(a), and ApoB in Non-Human Primates at the 94th European Atherosclerosis Society Congress
Single dose of EDIT-401 achieved ~90% or greater mean reductions in LDL-C, Lp(a), and ApoB in non-human primates
Data reinforce differentiated LDLR upregulation approach with rapid, dose-dependent effects on multiple atherogenic lipoproteins
Company on track to submit CTN by mid-2026 for EDIT-401 and achieve early in vivo human proof-of-concept data by the end of 2026
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 26, 2026 – Editas Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq: EDIT), a pioneering gene editing company focused on developing transformative medicines for serious diseases, presented new preclinical data for EDIT-401, its lead in vivo development candidate, in an oral presentation at the 94th European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Congress in Athens, Greece on May 25, 2026. In the data presented, EDIT-401 achieved robust reductions in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in non-human primates (NHPs), supporting its potential as a best-in-class medicine for hyperlipidemia.
Key EDIT-401 preclinical data in NHPs presented include:
| · | A single dose of EDIT-401 achieved ≥90% mean reduction in LDL-C, with rapid and dose-dependent effect. |
| · | EDIT-401 achieved rapid, dose dependent ~90% mean reduction in Lp(a), an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). |
| · | EDIT-401 achieved rapid, dose-dependent ~90% mean reduction in ApoB, a key measure of total plaque-causing cholesterol particles and predictive measure for ASCVD. |
| · | Reductions in LDL-C, Lp(a), and ApoB were highly correlated, supporting a unified mechanism facilitated by LDLR upregulation. |
“The consistent reductions of ~≥90 percent with EDIT-401 in LDL-C, Lp(a), and ApoB observed in these preclinical studies highlight the transformative potential of our LDLR upregulation approach to address multiple drivers of cardiovascular risk, including residual risk beyond LDL-C alone,” said Linda C. Burkly, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Editas Medicine. “These robust and consistent reductions across multiple atherogenic lipoproteins with a single dose further support EDIT-401 as a potentially best-in-class in vivo gene editing medicine for people living with hyperlipidemia.”
The abstract can be accessed on the EAS website, and the presentation is available on the Editas Medicine website.
Editas continues to advance preclinical studies for EDIT-401, including an ongoing Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology study in NHPs. Interim results from this study demonstrated EDIT-401 was well-tolerated with no adverse clinical observations, no notable treatment-related liver enzyme elevations, and no liver histopathology findings in non-GLP toxicology at the therapeutically relevant dose of 1.5 mg/kg.
The Company also received positive pre-IND feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its nonclinical package, CMC plans, and study design to support an Investigational New Drug Application (IND). The Company plans to submit a Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) in Australia to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) by mid-2026 to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial of EDIT-401 in patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) later this year, and is on track to have early in vivo human proof-of-concept data for EDIT-401 by the end of 2026.
About Editas Medicine
As a pioneering gene editing company, Editas Medicine is focused on translating the power and potential of CRISPR genome editing systems into a robust pipeline of transformative in vivo medicines for people living with serious diseases around the world. Editas Medicine aims to discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize durable, precision in vivo gene editing medicines for a broad class of diseases. Editas Medicine is the exclusive licensee of Broad Institute’s Cas12a patent estate and Broad Institute and Harvard University’s Cas9 patent estates for human medicines. For the latest information and scientific presentations, please visit www.editasmedicine.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘continue,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ ‘‘predict,’’ ‘‘project,’’ ‘‘target,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘would,’’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Company’s preclinical studies and its research and development programs, including initiating a first-in-human study for EDIT-401 in 2026 and achievement of early in vivo human proof-of-concept data for EDIT-401 by the end of 2026; the potential of, and expectations for, EDIT-401; and the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, including submitting a CTN in Australia by mid-2026 for EDIT-401. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials; availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; uncertainties relating to planned regulatory submissions to initiate clinical trials, including that results of preclinical studies will warrant such submissions or that regulatory agencies may require additional preclinical studies, that regulatory submissions shall occur on the expected timelines and that regulatory authorities will provide clearance for trials to be initiated; that the results and outcome of preclinical studies may not be predictive of the results of clinical trials; and the availability of funding sufficient for the Company’s foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the caption “Risk Factors” included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other filings that the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent the Company’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Except as required by law, the Company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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