Stifel says early WVE-006 data de-risks DNA editing approaches like Beam’s ‘302

Stifel analyst Dae Gon Ha notes that initial Wave Life Sciences’ (WVE) WVE-006 data supports the mechanism of their A-to-I RNA editing in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, that more importantly for the firm, de-risks DNA editing approaches like Beam Therapeutics’ (BEAM) BEAM-302. Understandably, the WVE-006 disclosure is limited, but the findings offer promising takeaways. Since mRNA is transient, Stifel would be particularly interested in upcoming multidose data in 2025, but sees the feasibility of RNA editing – and its translation – as an important de-risking data for DNA editing approaches as well, particularly BEAM-302 with its data expected in 2025. Whether the higher dose of WVE-006 translates to even greater AAT levels should further boost excitement around BEAM-302, the firm adds. Separately, Stifel thinks WVE-006 also bode well for Intellia Therapeutics’ (NTLA) NTLA-3001, which has its differences, but should also lead to AAT induction upon successful editing. Separately, the strongest readthrough from WVE-006 should be on Korro Bio (KRRO), the firm argues.