PCSK9 & VERVE-102

PCSK9 & VERVE-102

• PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9): A protein that regulates LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels.

• PCSK9 binds to LDL receptors on liver cells and promotes their degradation.

• Fewer LDL receptors → less LDL removed from blood → higher LDL-C.

VERVE-102

• VERVE-102 is an experimental gene-editing therapy designed to reduce PCSK9 production.

• Developed by Verve Therapeutics.

• Uses CRISPR-based gene editing delivered to liver cells.

• It aims to make a single, potentially permanent change to the PCSK9 gene, thereby lowering LDL-C.

• It is being investigated as a possible one-time treatment for cardiovascular disease.

Why Important?

PCSK9 ↓ → LDL receptors ↑ → LDL-C ↓ → potentially lower risk of cardiovascular disease