In Vivo Base Editing of PCSK9 with VERVE-102 for Hypercholesterolemia

Persons carrying loss-of-function variants of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and fewer atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events than persons without such variants. VERVE-102 is an investigational base-editing therapy designed to durably inactivate PCSK9 in the liver.

In this phase 1, open-label, single-ascending-dose study, we administered one intravenous infusion of VERVE-102 at one of six doses (ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 mg of total RNA per kilogram of body weight [mg per kilogram]) to adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or premature coronary artery disease. VERVE-102 consists of a messenger RNA encoding an adenine base-editor protein and a guide RNA targeting PCSK9, which are encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle incorporating N-acetylgalactosamine. The objectives were to assess safety and changes in blood PCSK9 protein and LDL cholesterol levels.

A total of 35 participants across the six dose cohorts received VERVE-102 and had at least 28 days of follow-up. No dose-limiting toxic effects occurred. Mild-to-moderate infusion-related reactions and transient elevations in alanine aminotransferase levels were observed. Aspiration pneumonitis occurred in a participant with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dose-dependent mean reductions in the PCSK9 level ranged from 51% at the 0.3-mg-per-kilogram dose to 88% at the 1.0-mg-per-kilogram dose. Corresponding reductions in the LDL cholesterol level ranged from 9% at the 0.3-mg-per-kilogram dose to 62% at the 1.0-mg-per-kilogram dose, with an absolute reduction of 78 mg per deciliter at the highest dose. Reductions appeared to be durable throughout follow-up, which was at least 1 year in 15 participants.

One dose of VERVE-102 led to dose-dependent, substantial, and sustained reductions in PCSK9 and LDL cholesterol levels. (Funded by Verve Therapeutics; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06164730.).