"A single infusion of an experimental gene-editing drug appears safe and effective for cutting cholesterol, possibly for life, according to a small early study released Saturday. The study, which involved 15 volunteers, found one infusion of a drug that uses the CRISPR gene-editing technique could safely reduce cholesterol, as well as levels of harmful triglycerides, by about half."
"If confirmed by future research, the approach could provide a powerful new weapon to fight heart disease, the nation's leading killer, freeing people from the need to take statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs every day. Laffin and others cautioned, however, that much more research is needed to confirm the findings and make sure the treatment would be safe and long-lasting."
A one-time infusion using CRISPR gene-editing reduced cholesterol and harmful triglycerides by roughly 50% in a small early clinical group of 15 volunteers. The intervention offers the possibility of a durable, perhaps one-time, therapy that could remove the need for daily cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins. The approach targets cardiovascular risk by lowering key blood lipid measures that contribute to heart disease. Independent experts emphasize that additional, larger and longer studies are required to confirm effectiveness, demonstrate actual protection against cardiovascular events, assess long-term safety, and address cost and implementation challenges.
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