Lates News

US pharmaceutical company LLY.N announced that its experimental gene editing therapy for treating high cholesterol has shown positive results in a Phase 1b clinical trial. The company stated that in the Phase 1b study aimed at adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or early-onset coronary artery disease, a single administration of the therapy called Verve-102 resulted in a reduction of PCSK9 protein levels by up to 88% and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by up to 62%. The therapy utilizes in vivo base editing technology to effectively shut down the PCSK9 gene in the liver, mimicking a natural genetic variation that can prevent heart disease. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to the therapy. LLY.N reported that the therapy has a duration of effect lasting up to 18 months and no serious adverse events related to the treatment have been reported. The company plans to start Phase 2 clinical trials of Verve-102 by the end of this year.