The future of humanity without heart death can come belonging to the treatment of gene editing once-or, at least, that is what the company verve therapeutics call. The idea of a famous heart expert Sekar Kathilesan, Verve aims to use controversial gene editing techniques such as Crispr to selectively change the human genome segment responsible for conditions that lead to heart attacks.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL), better known as “bad” cholesterol, is one of the main reasons behind atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, research has revealed that there are several genes that can be turned off to reduce the risk of heart attacks with one treatment journey. Or, as Kathilesan said, it will be a “one-and-done” treatment for problems that kill millions of people globally. The Single Verve course system targets the liver, where gene editing material is delivered and the problematic gene is turned off.
Along with LDL, triglyceride rich lipoprotein (TRL) or lipoprotein (A) (LP (A)) represents three paths related to the risk of heart attack, but the treatment of gene editing proposed by Verve will target each to seal the risk scenario for forever. The company currently targets two independent cholesterol paths – PCSK9 and AngPTL3 – for gene editing. Verve clearly notes that it will only treat genes in adults and will not edit the genome sequence in the egg/sperm or embryo to avoid ethical dilemmas.
Promising, but still far away
Because heart attacks are caused by a buildup of cholesterol in blood vessels, the proposed verve gene editing treatment aims to stop accumulation by changing metabolic behavior at the genetic level. The company aims to start a trial of gene editing experiments with adults who have experienced a heart attack due to hereditary conditions that trigger high cholesterol accumulation, Bloomberg reported. However, the main goal is to finally bring a younger subject into the flip, allowing it to act as a precautionary action for problems related to the heart.
Verve is reported to have carried out experiments with a new gene editing method on the monkey and get positive results, reduce poor cholesterol levels with 59% margin after providing treatment. The company now aims to start testing the treatment of its genome level to prevent heart attack on human subjects in the next few months. However, this can take many years before the data is sufficiently documented to start the right clinical trial and get a treatment certification for extensive use.
In addition, there are other major obstacles. Analysts estimate that DNA verve maintenance can cost between $ 50,000 and $ 200,000, which is far beyond the reach of most people. For the pioneer behind the treatment, it is “the answer to a heart attack,” with the assumption it really works. For now, it seems that the goal is made up, but there must be the potential to make innovative progress in finding permanent solutions for human cardiovascular misery in one way.