CRISPR-Cas9 vs Base Editing vs Prime Editing
Gene Editing Technology Comparison
Comparison of the 3 CRISPR generations — edit types, precision, off-target risk, delivery, and approved therapies.
Cas9Base EditingPrime Editing
Full Specification Comparison
| Specification | Cas9 | Base Editing | Prime Editing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edit Type | Cut + repair | Single-letter change | All 12 substitutions + indels |
| Double-strand Break | Yes | No | No |
| Off-target Risk | Moderate | Low | Very low |
| FDA Approved | Yes (Casgevy) | In trials | In trials |
| Delivery | AAV, LNP | AAV, LNP | AAV, LNP |
| Edit Efficiency | 40-90% | 40-70% | 20-50% |
| Developer | Broad/UC Berkeley | Beam Therapeutics | Prime Medicine |
Expert Verdict
Cas9 is proven and FDA-approved; base editing is safer for single-letter fixes; prime editing is the most versatile but least clinically mature.
Subject Breakdown
Cas9
1 Category Wins
- ★ FDA Approved: Yes (Casgevy)
Base Editing
1 Category Wins
- ★ Double-strand Break: No
Prime Editing
2 Category Wins
- ★ Edit Type: All 12 substitutions + indels
- ★ Off-target Risk: Very low