This Company is Using Gene Editing Technology to Prevent Heart Attacks

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Heart attacks continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide, with treatments often prohibitively expensive and out of reach for many.

Despite ongoing efforts, the World Health Organization reported that heart disease remains on the rise. But a groundbreaking solution might be on the horizon, thanks to innovative advancements in genetic science.

Verve Therapeutics' Pioneering Approach

Verve Therapeutics, a biotech company backed by Google Ventures, is pioneering a novel approach to heart disease prevention by altering human genomes.

The company’s CEO, Sekar Kathiresan, envisions a future where heart disease could be eradicated through a one-time treatment. As highlighted in a Bloomberg report, Kathiresan believes this genetic intervention could offer a permanent solution to heart disease.

A One-and-Done Treatment

“We’re on the cusp of potentially transforming that model to a one-and-done treatment," Kathiresan said.

The groundbreaking technique, which employs CRISPR gene editing technology, targets the genetic factors responsible for the accumulation of bad cholesterol.

Initially, this method will be tested on individuals who have suffered heart attacks due to a hereditary condition that affects up to 31 million people globally. If these initial trials prove successful, Verve plans to broaden the application of this therapy to a larger population.

The Economic Advantage of Gene Editing

Gene editing, particularly using CRISPR technology, has the potential to be more cost-effective in the long run compared to traditional treatments. This is due to several factors:

1. One-Time Treatment: Unlike chronic treatments that require ongoing medication and regular medical visits, gene editing aims to provide a permanent solution with a single intervention. This reduces the cumulative cost of lifelong treatment.
2. Reduction in Healthcare Burden: A successful one-time treatment can significantly lower the burden on healthcare systems by reducing the number of hospital visits, surgeries, and other medical interventions needed over a patient’s lifetime.
3. Economies of Scale: As gene editing technologies become more refined and widespread, the costs associated with the procedures are expected to decrease. The initial investment in research and development is high, but as the technology matures, production and application costs will likely drop.

The Promise and Ethics of CRISPR Gene Editing

CRISPR gene editing is a powerful tool that allows scientists to make precise changes to DNA, offering immense potential but also raising ethical questions. The success of this approach could signify a monumental shift in how we treat and prevent heart disease.

While some, such as Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, express concerns about the implications of extended human lifespans, those at risk of heart disease may see this breakthrough as a beacon of hope.

The exorbitant costs of essential medications, like insulin, often place them out of reach for many, leading to deaths that could be preventable if these drugs were more reasonably priced.

Verve’s innovation promises to make life-saving treatments more affordable and accessible. If successful, this could mark the dawn of a new era in medicine where heart attacks become a preventable condition, offering a lifeline to millions.