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gene therapy
Trends
- 1Single CRISPR treatment halves bad cholesterol for a year▼One CRISPR treatment cut “bad” cholesterol in half for a full year
A one-time CRISPR-based treatment has reportedly cut LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol, roughly in half with the effect lasting a full year, according to a report carried by ScienceDaily. If confirmed in larger trials, a single infusion could replace daily statins for some patients at risk of heart disease. The finding is drawing attention as a potential milestone for gene-editing therapies targeting common chronic conditions.
- 2
Attention is turning to the current state of CRISPR gene editing technology. Observers are asking where the field stands following recent advances, including approved therapies and ongoing debates over safety, ethics and access. Interest reflects continued momentum in genetic medicine and questions about what breakthroughs or regulatory moves may come next.
- 3Engineered mini CRISPR enzyme gets 60-fold power boost●Engineered mini CRISPR enzyme gets a 60-fold power boost for gene editing
Researchers have engineered a compact CRISPR enzyme that is reportedly 60 times more powerful at gene editing than before, according to a report from Bioengineer.org. The mini enzyme, redesigned for greater efficiency, could make gene editing more precise and easier to deliver into cells, an ongoing challenge with larger CRISPR systems. Details of the work, including which organism the enzyme comes from and where it was tested, were not provided in the coverage.
- 4Epigenetic Editing Moves Closer to Clinical Use●Epigenetic Editing Steps Closer to the Clinic as Bioengineering Tools Mature
Epigenetic editing, which alters gene activity without changing DNA sequence, is reported to be advancing toward clinical application as bioengineering tools mature. The development suggests researchers are getting closer to therapies that could switch genes on or off to treat disease, a potentially safer alternative to DNA-cutting technologies like CRISPR gene editing.
- 5Gene therapy and health equity highlighted during Sickle Cell Awareness Month●Gene therapy & health equity in Sickle Cell Awareness Month
September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and coverage in Atlanta is focusing on newly approved gene therapies for sickle cell disease and the question of who will be able to access them. Discussion centres on whether high treatment costs, insurance gaps and access barriers could widen health inequities for the predominantly Black patients affected by the disease.