New Treatment Cuts Cholesterol Nearly 50% Without Statins

Summary

Researchers at the University of Barcelona and University of Oregon developed a DNA-based therapy that blocks PCSK9, a protein controlling bad cholesterol levels. In tests, a single injection reduced cholesterol by 47% in mice while avoiding statin side effects, offering a potential new path for heart disease prevention.

Quick Facts

• The therapy uses polypurine hairpins (PPRHs) to block cholesterol-regulating genes at the molecular level
• One variant, HpE12, reduced PCSK9 protein by 87% in lab cells and cholesterol by 47% in mice
• PPRHs are cheaper to synthesize and more stable than existing gene-silencing therapies like siRNA

Why It Matters

A safer cholesterol treatment could reduce heart disease risk for millions who experience statin side effects.