Breakthrough: New Gene-Edit Tech Cuts ‘Bad’ Cholesterol – Engadget

In a groundbreaking study conducted by Verve Therapeutics, researchers discovered a gene-editing treatment, VERVE-101, that can effectively reduce cholesterol levels in patients. The treatment was tested on individuals with hereditary conditions that increase the risk of heart attacks and clogged arteries. By using CRISPR editing techniques, scientists were able to “turn off” a cholesterol-raising gene called PCSK9, which is found in the liver and is responsible for the accumulation of plaque in arteries. The results were promising, with PCSK9 being lowered by up to 84% in patients who received higher doses of the treatment.

This gene-editing therapy has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of high cholesterol, disrupting the need for daily medications such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. These current treatments often come with side effects like muscle pain and memory loss, making them less ideal for long-term use. However, it’s important to note that CRISPR technology still has limitations and potential risks. Two participants in the study experienced cardiovascular events, although one was unrelated to the treatment and the other was possibly linked due to the timing of the infusion.

Before this gene-editing therapy can be made available to consumers, it must undergo extensive testing and approval by the FDA, which can take up to 15 years. Verve Therapeutics has received clearance to conduct trials in the US, along with ongoing trials in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The company is actively seeking willing participants for these trials to further expand the study and gather more data.

This groundbreaking research offers hope for those with high cholesterol, providing a potential alternative to daily medications and their associated side effects. While the road to widespread availability is long, the progress made so far is encouraging. The future of gene-editing therapies looks promising, and we eagerly await further developments in this field.

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*Why did we choose this article for headlines4happiness, what makes this news a good news?*

Reasons why this article is positive and generates good thoughts:

1. Groundbreaking discovery: The article highlights a groundbreaking study conducted by Verve Therapeutics, which immediately generates excitement and interest.

2. Effective treatment for high cholesterol: The gene-editing treatment, VERVE-101, has shown promise in reducing cholesterol levels in patients with hereditary conditions. This offers hope for individuals who struggle with high cholesterol and face an increased risk of heart attacks and clogged arteries.

3. Disrupting the need for daily medications: The gene-editing therapy has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of high cholesterol by offering an alternative to daily medications such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. This is particularly positive news, as these current treatments often come with side effects.

4. Promising results: The study yielded promising results, with PCSK9 being lowered by up to 84% in patients who received higher doses of the treatment. This demonstrates the potential effectiveness of the gene-editing therapy in reducing cholesterol levels.

5. Hope for the future: The article acknowledges the limitations and risks associated with CRISPR technology but remains positive about the future of gene-editing therapies. This offers hope for individuals with high cholesterol, who may soon have access to a more efficient and potentially safer treatment option.

6. Ongoing trials and expansion of study: The fact that Verve Therapeutics has received clearance to conduct trials in the US, along with ongoing trials in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, showcases their commitment to furthering the study and gathering more data. This is a positive indication of their dedication to the research and the potential of the treatment.

Overall, this article generates good thoughts by highlighting a groundbreaking study that offers hope for those with high cholesterol. The potential of the gene-editing therapy to disrupt current treatment methods, along with promising results and ongoing trials, creates a positive outlook for the future of gene-editing therapies in the field of cholesterol reduction.