Archive · 27 Dec 2025
CRISPR Therapy Shows Promise for Cardiac Health
CRISPR is a new technology that can edit genes to help people with high cholesterol.
Doctors have tested it on a small group and it worked safely.
They think it could be a big help for people in India who have heart problems because of high cholesterol.
It might take 5 to 10 years before it's widely used in India, but it could be a one-time treatment that lasts a long time.
Right now, doctors are working on making it safe and affordable.
They also say that even with this new treatment, people still need to take care of their health by eating well, exercising, and not smoking.
CRISPR gene therapy has shown promise in reducing blood cholesterol levels by more than half in a small phase-1 trial.
The therapy is expected to enter the market in the next 5 years, with potential trials in India within 5-10 years.
CRISPR targets the ANGPTL3 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels, and has been proven safe and successful in initial trials.
Doctors in India are optimistic about the potential of CRISPR therapy for reducing the burden of cardiovascular issues and cholesterol imbalances.
Mass administration of CRISPR therapy in India is still several years away, with hurdles including long-term safety data, cost reductions, and regulatory approvals.
- Who
- CRISPR Therapeutics, Dr. Sam Kulkarni, Dr. Sagar Shah, Dr. Prakhar Garg, Cardiological Society of India
- What
- CRISPR gene therapy to reduce blood cholesterol levels by more than half
- When
- Expected market entry in the next 5 years, with potential trials in India within 5-10 years
- Where
- Switzerland (CRISPR Therapeutics headquarters), India (potential trials and mass administration)
- Why
- To address the significant burden of cardiovascular issues and heart diseases in India, particularly for those with genetic lipid disorders
- Technology
- CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)
- Target Gene
- ANGPTL3 (angiopoietin-like protein)
- Trial Phase
- Phase 1
- Participants
- 4 individuals
- Expected Market Entry
- Next 5 years
- Indian Prevalence
- 31% of Indians struggle with high cholesterol
- Top State for Cholesterol
- Kerala (63% prevalence)
- Indian Regulatory Support
- ICMR working on regulatory frameworks