Cathie Wood's Big Bet on Future Medicine

Last Trading Day of 2025 Sees Major Move in Biotech Sector

Cathie Wood, a renowned investor, made a bold investment on the final trading day of 2025. She allocated $1.33 million to Intellia Therapeutics, a company specializing in gene editing. This move is particularly noteworthy given that Intellia's stock has underperformed this year, dropping by 22%. Despite this, Wood sees substantial potential in the biotech sector, especially in gene editing, which she believes could revolutionize medicine.

The Promise of Gene Editing

Gene editing is a cutting-edge field aimed at correcting genetic problems at their source, rather than merely treating symptoms. Intellia Therapeutics employs CRISPR technology, often described as molecular scissors, to correct DNA errors. The company is developing therapies that can be directly administered into the body to edit genes in vital organs, such as the liver. While clinical trials have shown promising results, risks such as safety concerns and regulatory hurdles remain.

Cathie Wood's Investment Strategy

Wood's investment strategy often involves betting on innovative technologies before they become mainstream. Her track record includes successful early investments in Tesla, Block (formerly Square), and Shopify. Her focus on gene editing underscores her belief that this technology could have a profound impact on healthcare and the economy. For example, curing diseases like cancer could significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs.

Intellia Therapeutics: A Year of Mixed Results

Intellia Therapeutics had a mixed year in 2025. While the company made progress in some areas, such as demonstrating durability in a treatment for a rare genetic disorder, it also faced setbacks. A serious liver event led to a pause in dosing and an FDA clinical hold on two late-stage studies. Despite these challenges, Intellia maintains a strong financial position, with sufficient cash to fund operations into mid-2027. The company's revenue is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated $2.35 billion by 2030.