Advances in CRISPR technology and AI are driving innovations in therapeutic development and diagnostics. Variational AI entered a collaboration with Merck to apply generative AI for small molecule discovery with a deal potentially worth $349 million. Separately, CRISPR Therapeutics and Sirius Therapeutics initiated a Phase 2 trial for a novel Factor XI siRNA to prevent thromboembolic events. Complementing these, Tempus received FDA clearance for an AI-powered RNA sequencing assay designed to support precision oncology by improving patient selection and trial design.