New Gene-Editing Therapy Shows Promise in Lowering Cholesterol
Research presented at the American Heart Association meeting indicates that altering a single gene may effectively lower high cholesterol and fats in the blood. In a Phase 1 trial with 15 participants, the CRISPR-based therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by nearly 50% after one infusion. While the results are promising, experts caution about the long-term safety of such gene edits, emphasizing the need for further studies before widespread use. The drug targets the ANGPTL3 gene, which inhibits cholesterol breakdown, mimicking the effects seen in individuals with naturally low-functioning versions of this gene.
