STAT+: Day 1 at ASGCT: Missing scientists, a gene editing failure, and a gene editing first

The mood at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cell and Gene Therapy isn’t amazing. The biotech market has been bad for years. But many researchers tried to…

May 14, 2025 - 20:42
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STAT+: Day 1 at ASGCT: Missing scientists, a gene editing failure, and a gene editing first

NEW ORLEANS — The mood at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cell and Gene Therapy isn’t amazing. The biotech market has been bad for years. The FDA and NIH are shrouded in uncertainty. But many researchers tried to project confidence. Over the last four years, 16 gene and cell therapies have been approved, as one presenter noted Tuesday. Also, there was a purple-clad Mardi Gras-style stilt walker directing attendees into the main hail — so there’s that.

Tune in Thursday and Friday for more updates. I assure you there will be some good news.

The case of the missing scientists

A few people were missing as researchers, advocates and executives convened on ASGCT Tuesday. Several prominent scientists told STAT they couldn’t make the conference because of what appeared to be various Trump Administration policies.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…