Among health conditions that people are wary of, especially as we age or consume a variety of food, is our cholesterol level. High cholesterol could lead to life-threatening diseases such as clogged arteries that may lead to heart attacks.

Luckily, researchers have developed a gene-changing technology that could assist in reducing high levels of cholesterol. A test run has already been conducted by Verve Therapeutics, a Cambridge-based biotech corporation.

In the test conducted, researchers had a breakthrough on a single infusion of gene-editing treatment—named VERVE-101—that is capable of reducing cholesterol levels in patients.

The trial was conducted among people who have hereditary conditions, making them vulnerable to heart attacks and similar fatal diseases caused by a spike in cholesterol. The scientists utilized CRISPR editing methods to alter liver gene cells.

This allowed a scientist to “turn off” a cholesterol-raising gene (PCSK9) found in the liver so that “bad” cholesterol—LDL-C—is lowered, therefore avoiding possibilities of artery plaque build-up.

The gene was significantly lowered by 84 percent among individuals receiving higher infusion rates of the said treatment. Scientists observed that the lessening of LDL-C-related proteins lasted 2.5 years in past studies done on primates.

This development of the VERVE-101 may play a major role in the future of treating high cholesterol problems. At present, patients are given prescriptions for statins and PCSK9 inhibitors to control the rise in cholesterol levels, but this also produces unpleasant side effects like muscle pain and memory loss.

However, we must remember that this new technology will take years to perfect. There have also been reports that two out of 10 participants in the trial run had a cardiovascular event sometime during the infusion.

When altering genes in the body, there is always the risk of affecting other parts or systems in the body’s genome. Hence, the FDA makes it mandatory that before it could be released in public, the treatment needs to be studied for 15 years more.

Verve scientists have already received an FDA clearance for an Investigational New Drug Application for VERVE-101, which would allow the company to begin conducting trials in the US.

Current trials are being done in New Zealand and the United Kingdom and are open to participants willing to join in the experiment to continue the development of this technology.

What do you think about this new technology? Do you think it could still be risky even if it were to be released to the public years later? Let us know your opinions.

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