DNA-powered therapy halves 'bad' cholesterol, bypassing statins
A DNA-based treatment using polypurine hairpins to silence PCSK9 lowers LDL cholesterol and boosts LDL receptors. In liver cells HpE9/HpE12 reduced PCSK9 RNA by up to 74% and protein by up to 87%; in transgenic mice a single injection cut PCSK9 by ~50% and cholesterol by ~47% within days, potentially offering a statin-free alternative with fewer side effects.