RNA based treatment lowers levels of dangerous cholesterol carrying protein

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Australia; WA

An RNA based treatment can help lower levels of lipoprotein A, a cholesterol carrying protein that increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to the results of a trial conducted in Australia, the US, and United Kingdom. Reducing the levels of this protein could help prevent blockages from forming in blood vessels, but unlike cholesterol, it is not something you can reduce with diet and lifestyle choices. This world first human trial used a type of RNA, called siRNA or small interfering RNA, to stop the protein from being made in the first place.  At 150 days after a single injection, the levels of lipoprotein A in 32 patients were reduced by between 46 and 98 per cent, depending on the dose of treatment. The authors say the findings support further trials on the safety and efficacy of this siRNA.

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Research JAMA, Web page Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).
Editorial / Opinion JAMA, Web page
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JAMA
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Organisation/s: The University of Western Australia, Cleveland Clinic, USA
Funder: The trial was funded by Silence Therapeutics PLC and coordinated by Silence Therapeutics, Medpace (a contract research organization), and C5Research. Dr Ray received support from the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Imperial College London.
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