Study: LDL cholesterol halved with genetic intervention

A new technique of 'Editing' a single liver gene halved levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood of a small group of patients with very high and dangerous values for heart health. A single dose of the drug experimental 'CtX310', which intervenes on a specific gene - has LDL cholesterol decreased by 48.9% and 55.2% triglycerides within two months of infusion of the drug. better results were obtained in patients who had received the highest dose of the product. The trial on 15 people living in Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain, it was presented by researchers international at the American Heart Association conference underway in New Orleans. These are Phase 1 tests, which they simply meant to check the safety of the treatment, but they have obtained results already considered surprising, and which could change the future of therapies for cardiovascular health. The treatment - based on gene editing technology called 'Crispr' - intervenes on the Angptl3 gene, which interferes with the liver's ability to normally dispose of cholesterol and triglycerides. Some People have low-functioning versions of the Angptl3 gene and therefore enjoy low cholesterol throughout their lives. Others are carriers of a version of the same gene. extremely active and therefore with negative effects. Published in the 'New England Journal of Medicine', the report is arousing both enthusiasm and concern among the experts. The new approach actually permanently alters the system genetics of a person with long-lasting consequences and effects unknown terms.