Briefing
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- Gene Editing – University of Pennsylvania researchers successfully inactivated PCSK9 gene in rhesus macaque monkeys, effectively lowering cholesterol levels
- PCSK9 – Gene in liver that prevents organ from removing harmful cholesterol
- Not CRISPR – Did not use CRISPR but used meganuclease-based gene-editing, where engineered meganuclease enzymes delivered to body by harmless adeno-associated virus inactivate PCSK9
- Experiment Results – Show PCSK9 levels reduced by 45-84% and bad cholesterol levels by up to 60%
- Potential Heart Cure – Could be used for heart disease patients that cannot tolerate conventional, more expensive drugs that inhibit PCSK9
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Accelerator
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Sector
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Healthcare/Health Sciences
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Organization
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University of Pennsylvania
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Source
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Original Publication Date
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July 9, 2018
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