Gene-editing drug VERVE-102 cuts bad cholesterol 62% in early trial
An experimental gene-editing therapy called VERVE-102 reduced LDL cholesterol by 62% in a small Phase I trial with 35 patients. The drug appeared safe with no serious adverse events, though a temporary mild liver enzyme increase was observed.
An experimental gene-editing therapy designed to lower bad cholesterol long-term after a single infusion has shown promising early results. Researchers running a Phase I safety trial for the drug, named VERVE-102, published interim data from 35 patients in the New England Journal of Medicine this week. The findings are preliminary but indicate the treatment is safe, with no serious adverse events reported even at the highest doses. A temporary, mild increase in a liver enzyme was observed, suggesting minor injury in the liver where the drug acts.
The small dataset also hints at the drug's effectiveness. Participants who received the largest dose experienced a 62 percent drop in their low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, bringing the mean level to 78 mg per deciliter. For individuals with high cholesterol, like those in the trial, such a reduction could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease from arterial plaque buildup by an estimated 50 percent if sustained over 20 years. The trial has up to 18 months of follow-up data so far, and the positive effects appear to be holding up across all subgroups.
VERVE-102 is an investigational therapy that uses gene editing to permanently modify a gene in the liver, aiming to reduce LDL production. The approach targets the PCSK9 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels. By editing this gene, the therapy seeks to provide a one-time treatment for high cholesterol, potentially eliminating the need for daily statin pills. The current standard of care for high cholesterol includes statins and other medications that require ongoing adherence.
The Phase I trial enrolled patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, conditions that put them at high risk for heart attacks and strokes. The primary goal was to assess safety, but researchers also measured LDL reductions as a secondary endpoint. The 62 percent reduction in the high-dose group exceeded expectations, though the small sample size limits the strength of the conclusion.
VERVE-102 is administered as a single intravenous infusion. The therapy uses a lipid nanoparticle to deliver a base-editing system to liver cells, where it makes a precise change in the PCSK9 gene. This approach differs from other gene-editing therapies that use CRISPR-Cas9, as base editing can alter a single DNA letter without cutting the double helix. The company behind the drug, Verve Therapeutics, is also developing similar therapies for other conditions.
The trial is ongoing, and researchers plan to enroll additional patients to further evaluate safety and efficacy. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm that the LDL reductions are durable and to monitor for any late-emerging side effects. The mild liver enzyme elevation resolved on its own in most cases, but investigators will continue to watch for any signs of liver damage.
If VERVE-102 proves safe and effective in larger trials, it could offer a transformative option for patients with high cholesterol who struggle with daily medication. The therapy is still years away from potential regulatory approval, as Phase II and III trials are required to confirm its benefits and risks. Verve Therapeutics has stated that it plans to move forward with larger studies.
The interim results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on [date not specified in source]. The company has not yet announced a timeline for the next phase of clinical development. All data presented are from the ongoing Phase I trial, which is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Spider-Noir Series Premieres on Amazon Prime Video with Nicolas Cage
Spider-Noir, a unique take on the Spider-Man character starring Nicolas Cage, premiered today on Amazon Prime Video. Early reviews are promising.
A radically different portrayal of Spider-Man has arrived on screens. Spider-Noir, the new series featuring Nicolas Cage in the lead role, launched today on Amazon Prime Video. The show presents a version of the web-slinger that diverges significantly from the familiar iterations audiences have come to expect.
Nicolas Cage steps into the role of Spider-Man in this noir-inspired adaptation. The series draws from the comic book universe where Peter Parker operates in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression. This setting brings a gritty, detective-story aesthetic to the superhero genre.
Early critical reception has been encouraging. Reviewers have highlighted Cage's performance as a standout element, noting his ability to bring both gravitas and eccentricity to the character. The show's visual style, which mimics film noir techniques, has also drawn praise for its atmospheric cinematography and period-accurate production design.
The series follows an older, world-weary Peter Parker who fights crime in a monochrome world. Unlike the traditional Spider-Man narrative, this version emphasizes detective work and moral ambiguity over super-heroics. The plot reportedly involves a mystery that forces Parker to confront his past and the consequences of his choices.
Amazon Prime Video is streaming Spider-Noir exclusively. The platform has been expanding its original content portfolio, and this series represents a significant investment in superhero storytelling with a distinct creative vision. The show is produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Amazon Studios.
All episodes of the first season are available for streaming immediately upon release. Subscribers can access the series on Amazon Prime Video across supported devices. The show is rated TV-MA for mature content, reflecting its darker tone and themes.
Nicolas Cage's involvement has generated considerable buzz, given his reputation for taking on unconventional roles. The actor has expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a fresh take on a beloved character. The series is expected to appeal to both Spider-Man fans and viewers interested in noir storytelling.
Spider-Noir is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The first season consists of eight episodes, each approximately 45 minutes in length.
DC Films faces early setback as Supergirl box office projections fall short of The Marvels
Early box office projections for DC Films' upcoming Supergirl movie suggest it may underperform, potentially earning less than Marvel's The Marvels. The disappointing forecasts raise concerns about the new DC cinematic universe led by James Gunn.
DC Films, under the leadership of James Gunn, is attempting to build a new cinematic universe. However, early box office projections for the upcoming Supergirl movie indicate potential trouble. Analysts suggest the film may earn less than Marvel's The Marvels, which itself underperformed at the box office.
The projections come from initial tracking data shared by industry insiders. The numbers paint a grim picture for the DC superhero film, which is expected to debut in theaters later this year. The Marvels, released in 2023, grossed approximately $206 million worldwide, a disappointing figure for a Marvel Studios production.
Supergirl's projected earnings are reportedly even lower than that benchmark. The film is part of DC's new slate of movies under Gunn and Peter Safran's leadership. The duo has outlined a ten-year plan for the DC Universe, with Supergirl being one of the early entries.
The film stars Milly Alcock as Supergirl, taking over the role from previous portrayals. The cast also includes Matthias Schoenaerts as the villain and Eve Ridley in an undisclosed role. The movie is directed by Craig Gillespie, known for I, Tonya and Cruella.
Industry observers point to several factors that may contribute to the low projections. The DC brand has faced challenges in recent years, with several films underperforming at the box office. Additionally, the character of Supergirl may not have the same level of mainstream recognition as Superman or Batman.
The film's release date is set for June 26, 2026. It will face competition from other summer blockbusters, including an untitled Marvel film and a new installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. The crowded release calendar could further impact its box office performance.
DC Films has not commented on the projections. The studio is likely hoping that positive word-of-mouth and strong marketing campaigns can boost the film's performance closer to its release. However, the early numbers suggest an uphill battle for the new DC universe.
Supergirl is scheduled to hit theaters on June 26, 2026.
watchOS 27 brings sleep apnea detection, new watch faces, and workout enhancements
Apple announced watchOS 27 at WWDC, introducing sleep apnea detection, new watch faces, and enhanced workout metrics. The update will be available for Apple Watch Series 6 and later this fall.
Apple unveiled watchOS 27 during its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on Monday. The update brings several health-focused features, including sleep apnea detection, which uses the watch's accelerometer to monitor breathing patterns during sleep. Users will receive notifications if irregularities are detected, prompting them to consult a doctor.
The new operating system also introduces a redesigned Photos watch face that uses machine learning to curate the best images from the user's library. Additionally, a new Snoopy watch face features animated characters from the Peanuts franchise, with interactive elements that respond to the time of day and weather.
Workout enhancements include a new Vitals app that provides a daily health snapshot, showing metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep duration. The Workout app gains a new Cycling mode that automatically detects when the user is riding a bike and provides metrics such as estimated power output and cycling speed.
For runners, watchOS 27 adds a new Running Form feature that measures ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation. These metrics are displayed in real-time during outdoor runs and can be reviewed in the Fitness app on iPhone.
The update also includes improvements to the Smart Stack, which now offers more contextual widgets based on time, location, and activity. For example, the Smart Stack will show a medication reminder widget at the scheduled time or a wallet widget when approaching a transit station.
Apple has expanded the availability of the Double Tap gesture to more apps, including third-party apps. Developers can now integrate the gesture to trigger custom actions within their apps, such as starting a timer or advancing a playlist.
watchOS 27 will be compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and later, including Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Ultra. The update will be available as a free download starting this fall, alongside iOS 27 and iPadOS 27.
Apple also announced that the new sleep apnea detection feature has received FDA clearance and will be available in the United States and other countries pending regulatory approval. The company emphasized that the feature is not a diagnostic tool but rather a screening aid.
