Graphite Bio, an early stage biotech developing gene editing therapies for sickle cell and other diseases, filed on Friday with the SEC to raise up to $100 million in an initial public offering.
Graphite Bio claims that its next-generation gene editing platform allows it to precisely correct mutations, replace entire disease-causing genes, or insert new genes into predetermined, safe locations. Its lead candidate, GPH101, aims to correct the mutation that causes sickle cell disease and restore normal adult hemoglobin expression. The company has received IND clearance for GPH101 and intends to enroll the first patient in a Phase 1/2 trial in the second half of 2021, with initial proof-of-concept data expected by the end of 2022.
The South San Francisco, CA-based company was founded in 2017 and plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol GRPH. Graphite Bio filed confidentially on April 16, 2021. Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, Cowen, and SVB Leerink are the joint bookrunners on the deal. No pricing terms were disclosed.
