Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) Plunges 1.04% Amid Liver Toxicity Concerns in Phase III Trial

Shares of Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) hit a new low in 2025, with an intraday drop of 1.80% before closing down 1.04%, marking the first time since September 2025 the stock has traded at this level. The decline reflects ongoing market jitters amid evolving clinical and strategic developments.

A critical factor weighing on the stock was a liver toxicity incident in Intellia’s Phase III MAGNITUDE trial for its CRISPR therapy, nexiguran ziclumeran. A patient experienced Grade 4 transaminase elevations, though the company noted the event resolved without intervention. While Intellia emphasized the low incidence rate (0.66% of treated patients), the episode reignited concerns about in vivo gene-editing safety, a recurring risk in the sector.

Institutional activity highlighted mixed investor sentiment. Cathie Wood’s ARK Investment Management added 560,600 shares in August, signaling long-term confidence, while entities like Chardan Capital and RBC issued bearish forecasts. Analysts at Wedbush and BofA revised price targets downward, citing competitive pressures and safety uncertainties. Despite positive Phase 2 data for NTLA-2002 in hereditary angioedema, which showed a 77% reduction in attack rates, the stock fell 20% post-announcement, underscoring skepticism about risk-reward dynamics.

Progress in the pipeline, including enrollment updates for the HAELO and MAGNITUDE trials, remains pivotal. However, Intellia faces stiff competition from peers like CRISPR Therapeutics and Verve, who are advancing therapies in overlapping indications. The company’s ability to differentiate its offerings while addressing safety concerns will be critical in stabilizing investor confidence and shaping its trajectory in the gene-editing landscape.