Verve Therapeutics is developing single-course in vivo gene editing therapies that target the PCSK9 gene to lower LDL cholesterol levels, addressing the high risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. By inactivating genes in the liver that contribute to cardiovascular risk, Verve aims to provide a transformative approach to managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Funding
$143.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Despite available treatments, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people and resulting in approximately 800,000 heart attacks annually in the U.S. Current therapies often require chronic care and may not fully address the underlying genetic factors contributing to the disease.
Solution
Verve Therapeutics is developing single-course _in vivo_ gene editing therapies designed to address the root causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). By targeting genes in the liver, such as PCSK9, that contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk, Verve aims to provide a potentially transformative approach to managing ASCVD. Their investigational therapies leverage advances in human genetics and gene editing technologies to safely inactivate these target genes with a single administration. This approach seeks to shift the treatment paradigm from chronic management to a one-time intervention that could offer sustained reduction in cardiovascular risk. Verve's pipeline includes programs targeting HeFH (Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia) and premature coronary artery disease.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals with or at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), particularly those with genetically driven high LDL cholesterol, such as patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or premature coronary artery disease, as well as medical professionals specializing in cardiovascular care.
Features
- Single-course _in vivo_ gene editing approach
- Targets genes in the liver that contribute to cardiovascular risk, such as PCSK9
- Aims to lower LDL-C levels through gene inactivation
- Programs in development for Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and premature coronary artery disease
- Utilizes advanced delivery systems for precise gene editing