BUZZ-Intellia surges on promising early-stage data for gene editing therapy

** Intellia Therapeutics' shares NTLA.O surge 12.7% to $15.75 premarket

** On Saturday, co reported promising early-stage results from gene editing therapy for a rare disease called transthyretin amyloidosis

** In the disease, mutations in the TTR gene lead to production of abnormal transthyretin protein, which on building up cause serious complications in multiple tissues, including heart, nerves and digestive system

** Therapy works by inactivating the gene and data shows therapy helped durable reduction in transthyretin protein, which helped stabilize or reduce disease progression

** Co currently conducting late-stage study for patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy, a type of the disease where heart muscles stiffen and weaken

** This data provides positive momentum to late-stage study, says brokerage William Blair

** 23 of 29 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 6 "hold"; their median PT is $57 - LSEG

** As of last close, stock had fallen 54% YTD

(Reporting by Leroy Leo in Bengaluru)

((Leroy.Dsouza@thomsonreuters.com;))