STAT+: ARPA-H launches $160 million effort to develop custom gene editing drugs

STAT PlusBiotech ARPA-H launches $160 million effort to develop custom gene editing drugs Program will fund seven groups over five years in hope of Baby KJ-like successes Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jason MastJuly 9, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Jason Mast[email protected]Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. ARPA-H, the U.S.’ “moonshot” agency for health research, announced Thursday that it will spend up to $160 million to push forward custom gene editing treatments for a spate of rare diseases. The program, called THRIVE, will back seven different teams pursuing various groups of conditions affecting different organ systems. Advertisement Each team has a deadline of starting clinical trials by year three of the program, although some may start much sooner. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, CRISPR, gene editing, Gene therapy, HHS, rare diseases, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Jason Mast General Assignment Reporter Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended The Readout July 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Prime wins Beam arbitration, clearing path to clinic Adam's Biotech Scorecard July 9, 2026 STAT Plus: 931 days. The drug approval scandal hiding in plain sight Advertisement Biotech July 9, 2026 STAT Plus: AstraZeneca, Ionis report major trial failure with heart disease drug Special Report July 9, 2026 STAT Plus: The quest to save Grace — and clear the way for rare disease patients everywhere Politics July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. plans to create list of injuries caused by Covid-19 vaccines Subscriber Picks