CRISPR gene-editing works to reduce high cholesterol in a new study
14 days ago
- #cholesterol
- #CRISPR
- #gene-editing
- CRISPR gene-editing drug shows promise in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides by about 50% in a small early study.
- The study involved 15 volunteers and was presented at the American Heart Association's annual meeting.
- If confirmed, this approach could eliminate the need for daily cholesterol-lowering medications like statins.
- Experts caution that more research is needed to confirm safety, efficacy, and long-term effects.
- The treatment targets the ANGPTL3 gene in the liver to disable cholesterol and triglyceride production.
- Two companies, CRISPR Therapeutics and Verve Therapeutics, are developing similar gene-editing treatments.
- Current gene therapies are expensive, and the cost of this treatment remains unknown.
- Poor medication adherence is a major issue in managing heart disease, which kills 700,000 Americans annually.
- Larger, long-term studies are planned to assess the treatment's potential for lifelong protection against heart disease.