We Have Genetically Engineered Li...
We Have Genetically Engineered Live Humans For The First Time
The Deep Dive by FlyingFree
E37
Jun 10, 2026
21:04
Episode notes

Recent clinical findings show that VERVE-102, an innovative in vivo base editing medication, successfully lowers LDL cholesterol by permanently deactivating the PCSK9 gene in the liver. Data from the Heart-2 trial indicates that a single infusion can reduce harmful cholesterol levels by as much as 62%, with results remaining stable for up to 18 months. This genetic medicine approach mimics naturally occurring protective mutations to offer a potential one-time treatment for patients with hypercholesterolemia who currently rely on chronic daily or monthly therapies. Additionally, the FDA has introduced a "plausible mechanism" regulatory pathway to expedite the approval of such ultra-rare disease and targeted genetic treatments. Beyond the liver, researchers are expanding base editing and epigenetic editing technologies to address diverse conditions ... 

Keywords
science
medicine
health
controversy
heart disease
cholesterol
genetic engineering