CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex initiated the first human study of CRISPR gene-editing technology with an industry sponsor, following an investigator-sponsored study initiated in China two years ago. These are not the first gene-editing trials, but they're important milestones for the CRISPR field.

Emerging Company Profile: Agenovir has a unique gene-editing niche – using CRISPR/Cas9 to destroy DNA in latent viral reservoirs as opposed to other companies that snip and repair errors in the genome.

Recent executive-level company changes and promotions in the biopharma, medical device and diagnostics industries.

This week's roundup sees Sanofi appoint Biogen's former SVP of corporate affairs to executive vice president, external affairs. Meanwhile, Galena Biopharma, Abpro, Genmab and Purdue Pharma have all named new executives.