All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affectedCRISPR Therapeutics ( CRSP -3.57% ) is recognized as a pioneer in the field of gene therapy. This biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize medicine through precise modifications of a person's DNA to treat and cure genetic diseases. In 2023, the company's Casgevy product for sickle cell disease became the first-ever CRISPR-based therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an important company milestone. Nevertheless, commercialization has been slow, with the market already waiting for the next possible blockbuster drug. At the time of writing, shares of CRISPR Therapeutics are down 46% from their 52-week high, leading investors to wonder what comes next. If you're considering buying stock in this gene therapy trailblazer, here are three things you should know. 1. First mover advantage Part of the attraction of CRISPR Therapeutics as an investment is its first-mover advantage, which counts on several patented processes for CRISPR diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The approval of Casgevy, co-developed with Vertex Pharmaceuticals , validated its technology to move forward with a broader pipeline of drug candidates. A critical component of CRISPR is the requirement that therapies are manufactured using individual patients' harvested stem cells. CRISPR Therapeutics operates an industrial laboratory facility that provides strategic flexibility to scale operations. Its oncology, cardiology, and diabetes programs have candidates in different stages of clinical study and human trials. For 2025, the company expects expanded indications for Casgevy, along with updated efficacy data for its candidate portfolio, which could serve as potential catalysts for investors to assess. 2. Profitability remains elusive There's some optimism that CRISPR Therapeutics is still in the early stages of a significant long-term opportunity. The company's balance sheet, with $1.9 billion in cash, means CRISPR has the time and capital to take the necessary steps to become commercially sustainable. On the other hand, the latest financial trends leave a lot to be desired. In the third quarter, CRISPR reported just $602,000 in global revenue, not yet materially capitalizing on the initial launch of Casgevy, marketed and distributed by Vertex. The update indicates that a single patient has received the commercial therapy, which carries a $2.2 million price tag. This hefty sum can be justified based on its life-saving potential, but it also highlights the economic challenge of widespread adoption. According to Vertex, 40 patients have begun the complex cell collection process that is expected to translate to accelerating collaboration revenue for CRISPR. Based on Wall Street consensus estimates, from a projected $14 million in revenue this year, CRISPR is projected to bring in $132 million in revenue for 2025 as Casgevy treatments gain traction. Still, that's not quite enough to make a dent in what are projected to be large financial losses for the next several years. An estimated loss per share of $5.15 for 2024 is only expected to narrow toward a $5.02 loss next year. That's not necessarily a problem for a high-growth stock, but it does represent a risk for investors to balance. If sales continue to disappoint, company shares trading at a pricey 31 times next year's sales as a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio could be vulnerable to a deeper sell-off. CRSP Market Cap data by YCharts 3. Intensive competition The success of CRISPR Therapeutics will depend on its ability to bring multiple new drugs to the market to support a more viable business model. At the same time, the company will need to contend with emerging competition from other biotech players pursuing similar CRISPR techniques for drug development. Companies like Intellia Therapeutics and Beam Therapeutics are independently moving forward with their versions of gene-editing technology that could prove more effective for certain diseases. It's also uncertain if CRISPR is superior to alternative biotechnologies, like monoclonal antibodies or RNA-based therapies, which have generated recent breakthroughs. Ultimately, CRISPR Therapeutics has a lot of promise but faces a long road to becoming a global biotech leader. Final thoughts The near-term financial weakness is enough of a reason for me to stay on the sidelines and avoid CRISPR Therapeutics stock for now. The company could very well turn out to be a long-term winner, but the prudent move for investors is to proceed with caution until there is evidence of some sales and earnings momentum. My expectation is for the stock to remain volatile.No daylight saving time? See how early or late you would be in the dark.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. “Definitely it will be a challenge if Roquan can’t go,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We’re holding out hope and everything like that. I think it’ll just be by committee. Not one person is going to replace Roquan. Roquan’s an every-down linebacker.” Although the Ravens lost 18-16 last weekend, Baltimore didn't allow a touchdown. That was an encouraging sign for a team that ranks 26th in the league in total defense. Baltimore is on the road Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens appear to have dodged one potential nightmare. Star safety Kyle Hamilton injured an ankle against Cincinnati on Nov. 7, but he was able to play almost every defensive snap the following week against Pittsburgh. But Smith was injured in that game and didn't practice Thursday or Friday. Linebacker Malik Harrison had a season high in tackles last weekend and figures to have a significant role if Smith can't go. “We tell these guys, ‘You’re one play away to going in there — you never know, so you got to stay ready.’ Malik — he was ready,” Orr said. “I thought he went in there and did a good job, especially after the first series, he settled down. That’s what we expect from him.” It's hard to tell whether last week can be a significant turning point for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens allowed only 10 points in a dominant win over Buffalo in Week 4, then yielded 38 against Cincinnati the following game. After allowing 10 against Denver, the Ravens were picked apart by the Bengals again a few days later. So they still haven't shown they can play a good game defensively and then build on it. “I think it’s easier said than done. It’s something that we kind of got caught up saying against Buffalo and then coming up the next week and not doing," Hamilton said. "We’re aware of it now and know that we played a good game, but I think we can get a lot better, and I think that’s kind of the mindset everybody on defense has right now.” Hamilton's ability to make a difference all over the field is part of what makes him valuable, but positioning him deep is one way the Ravens can try to guard against big passing plays. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson threw for only 205 yards against Baltimore. That's after Joe Burrow passed for 428 and four touchdowns in the Ravens' previous game. “I’ve always seen myself as a safety. A versatile one, but at the end of the day, I think I play safety,” Hamilton said. “If I’m asked to go play safety, I feel like that’s not an issue for me to play safety if I’m a safety.” NOTES: In addition to Smith, WR Rashod Bateman (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle) C Tyler Linderbaum (back) and CB Arthur Maulet (calf) missed practice Friday. WR Nelson Agholor (illness) returned to full participation after missing Thursday's practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump didNEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children, recognizing their exceptional courage and outstanding achievements across diverse fields, including art, culture, sports and innovation. The President underlined the importance of nurturing and celebrating young talents. "Providing opportunities and recognizing children’s talents has always been a part of our tradition. This tradition should be further strengthened to ensure that every child realizes their full potential," she said. The award celebrates extraordinary accomplishments in seven categories: art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and environment. The honourees -- seven boys and ten girls selected from 14 states and Union territories -- were presented with a medal, certificate and citation booklet. Among them was Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate, recognized for her excellence in art and culture. Despite living with spinal muscular atrophy, she founded initiatives like "IM POSSIBLE" and "SMA-ART," promoting inclusivity and disability awareness. President Murmu highlighted the importance of honouring such talents, saying, "The tradition of recognising and nurturing children's potential has always been part of our culture. Their contributions will lead India to the pinnacle of progress." She further emphasised the Ministry of Women and Child Development's role in sharing these stories of inspiration with the wider public. The President also paid homage to the unparalleled sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, commemorated as 'Veer Bal Diwas' on December 26, saying, "Their sacrifices for faith and self-respect continue to inspire countless generations. On this day, the nation bows in reverence to their bravery and spirit." Among the other awardees was Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, honoured for his soulful contributions to Kashmiri music, while 17-year-old Vyas Om Jignesh, who has cerebral palsy, was lauded for his dedication to Sanskrit literature, having memorised over 5,000 shlokas and performed in over 500 shows. In bravery, Saurav Kumar (9) was recognised for saving three girls from drowning, and 17-year-old Ioanna Thapa was honoured for rescuing 36 residents from a fire. "Examples of courage and patriotism in children strengthen the nation’s confidence in its future. Such acts are truly commendable," President Murmu remarked as she presented the award to the two children. In the innovation category, 15-year-old Sindhoora Raja was awarded for creating self-stabilizing devices for Parkinson's patients, and cybersecurity entrepreneur Risheek Kumar (17) was honoured for launching Kashmir's first cybersecurity firm. "Contributions to science, technology, and innovation by children like these show their unparalleled potential to transform lives," the President observed. Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected area was awarded in the sports category. She overcame numerous challenges to win a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games. Mentioning Nag's story, President Murmu said, "Hembati's resilience amidst adversity is an example of unmatched courage and determination." Chess prodigy Anish Sarkar, the youngest FIDE-ranked player at just three years old, was also honoured. The President envisioned a bright future for the awardees, adding, "In 2047, when we celebrate the centenary of our independence, these award winners will be enlightened citizens of the country. Such talented boys and girls will become the builders of a developed India, shaping its destiny through their talent and efforts." "May every child of this nation have a bright and prosperous future, for in their success lies the future of India," she said.

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