hotspot -WSS

hotspot

author：entertainment 2025-08-04 08:22:40 - browse：43

A black and white cutout photo of Feng Zhang on the left of a black and white cutout photo of Alex Aravanis. Both photos are placed on top of yellow geometric shapes and a gradient dark blue background. — Researcher Feng Zhang, left, and Alex Aravanis, the CEO of Moonwalk. Illustration: Christine Kao/STAT; Photo: Katherine Taylor for STAT and Business Wire

A new startup co-founded by CRISPR innovator Feng Zhang, a former executive at Grail and Illumina, and others has raised $57 million to develop a defanged form of gene editing that doesn’t cut the DNA strand.

Moonwalk Therapeutics launched Thursday with funding from Alpha Wave Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, Future Ventures, Khosla Ventures, GV, and YK Bioventures. It plans to use that money to develop treatments for a variety of diseases, including chronic and aging-related conditions, using what’s called epigenetic editing.

Most of the gene editing technologies being used today slice or nick the DNA strand and make permanent changes to the biological building blocks of genes. Moonwalk, however, plans to alter the activity of genes by focusing on chemical changes. The company is targeting the surrounding chemicals that influence how genes act. This can be done through chemical processes methylation, which turns genes on, or demethylation, which turns genes off.

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： How one medical school became remarkably diverse
Next article： Study: Pain burden is higher in Black NFL players than white ones

entertainment

WSS

Iowa House, Senate pass 6

Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten released from prison after 53 years

What STAT readers think about the FDA and patient advocacy

A new study sees potential in DNA sequencing of infants

Editas, Vertex strike deal on CRISPR

Christmas in the PICU brings some surprising joy

explore

hotspot

entertainment

United colonoscopy coverage change 'may cost lives,' doctors say

SEC charges former device maker CEO with $41 million fraud

At least 13 dead in Texas as scorching temps continue

Keeping primary care docs in field isn't impossible, says AAFP CEO

State Dept. review finds Biden bears some blame for Afghanistan failures

In Spain, a hospital brews its own CAR

Jerome Adams on the need for new antivirals for Covid

A new study sees potential in DNA sequencing of infants

Sports medicine is finally prioritizing gender equality

CRISPR gene editing developments we’re watching in 2024

knowledge

Three trends to watch in biotech in 2024

What STAT readers think about the FDA and patient advocacy

Can sheer will power keep patients alive in their dying hours?

SEC charges former device maker CEO with $41 million fraud

DOJ reversal could clear way for Carroll's 1st lawsuit against Trump to proceed

Biden launches a new push to limit health care costs

hotspot

entertainment

leisure time

knowledge