Key points from article :
Even after decades of breakthroughs aimed at preventing heart attacks, they remain the world’s leading cause of death.
Verve Therapeutics is proposing to alter a person’s genome to stop the buildup of bad cholesterol.
“We’re on the cusp of potentially transforming that model to a one-and-done treatment,” - Sekar Kathiresan, CEO of Verve.
Initially targets those who’ve already had a heart attack.
Eventually aiming to give it to young people as a preventive measure.
Uses the Crispr DNA-editing tool to change a single letter of a person’s genome.
A lipid nanoparticle encases the editing system to protect it on its journey to the liver, where it turns off the desired gene.
Medicines focused on two genes: PCSK9 and ANGPTL3.
Some patients will need only one of the drugs; others will need both.
Encouraging signs in monkeys, cutting bad cholesterol levels by 59% after two weeks.
Verve is set to begin testing in humans within months.
Analysts forecast that this therapy will cost from $50,000 to $200,000.
