Key points from article :
Scientists have disabled two genes in monkeys that raise the risk for heart disease.
One is PCSK9, which helps regulate levels of LDL cholesterol.
The other is ANGPTL3, part of the system regulating triglyceride, a type of blood fat.
Both are active in liver, which is where cholesterol and triglycerides are produced.
People who inherit mutations that destroyed the genes’ function do not get heart disease.
The medicine consists of two pieces of RNA — a gene editor and a tiny guide.
Not only did the system work in 13 monkeys, but it appeared that every liver cell was edited.
The monkeys’ LDL levels dropped by 59 percent within two weeks.
The ANGPTL3 gene editing led to a 64 percent decline in triglyceride levels.
First study to use the pencil-and-eraser type gene editing in primates for a very common disease.
But much too soon to say if it will be safe and long-lasting.
Research from Verve Therapeutics; not yet been peer-reviewed or published.
