Trials conducted by the biotechnology company Verve Therapeutics have shown that a single infusion of the gene drug VERVE-101 can reduce cholesterol levels in patients. The company announced this on its website.
Researchers have successfully used the CRISPR gene editing technique to alter liver gene cells. They “turned off” the PCSK9 gene, which causes plaque formation in the arteries, and reduced the level of bad cholesterol. The trials showed that PCSK9 levels were reduced by 84% in the groups receiving high doses of the drug.
However, according to the journal Nature, two out of 10 study participants suffered from “cardiovascular problems” that occurred during the infusion. This indicates the existing risk of using gene editing technology. The treatment of high cholesterol with VERVE-101 gene editing requires additional research for 15 years according to the FDA.
Verve has received approval to conduct the study in the United States and is looking for participants to expand the study to New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
