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Single-Shot Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Permanently Lowering Cholesterol, Offering Potential Alternative to Statins

London, December 1, 2023 – A ⁢groundbreaking new gene therapy, VERVE-102, is demonstrating significant potential ⁤to permanently reduce cholesterol ⁤levels with a single injection, offering a potential alternative to lifelong medication like statins.Early trial results, hailed as “fabulous” by experts, suggest the treatment could eliminate or substantially⁣ reduce the need for ongoing​ cholesterol management for many patients.

Currently, ‌statins – costing ‍approximately £20 a year per patient⁣ – are typically recommended only for⁤ individuals with a family history of high cholesterol.VERVE-102 takes a different approach,targeting the PCSK9 ⁢protein by “switching off” the gene responsible for its production in liver cells.

The‌ injected ‌treatment, administered slowly over several ⁤hours, doesn’t ‌entirely halt LDL (bad) cholesterol production, as ⁤the PCSK9 protein is just ‍one factor in​ the liver’s regulation of LDL. ⁣However, recent trials have shown promising results: the lowest dose of the drug reduced LDL cholesterol by ‌21‌ percent,‌ while the highest ​dose achieved a 53 percent reduction – both within one month of​ treatment.

Initial findings ‌indicate a favorable safety​ profile, with few reported serious adverse effects.

Dr. Petraco explained​ the underlying‌ science, stating, “Our genes are like a recipe book, but rather of cakes, they continuously produce proteins with specific functions.” He further clarified that “VERVE-102 swaps one single ⁤compound within the PCSK9 gene, causing a malfunction in its recipe​ to stop it producing LDL.”

Despite the encouraging results, researchers emphasize the need for further investigation.‍ “There is an element of the ⁣unknown with gene therapy and long-term follow-up studies ⁤are essential,” Dr. Petraco cautioned. “But it’s⁣ not an overstatement to say ⁢VERVE-102 is a gamechanger if it‌ is shown to be ⁢safe⁢ and effective in‍ larger trials.​ But we need to⁢ be cautious before widely adopting any new drug.”

A ⁣larger, worldwide ⁣trial is planned,⁣ focusing initially on individuals​ with familial hypercholesterolemia – a genetic condition causing extremely high ‍cholesterol levels, often present from childhood.Researchers anticipate ⁤the​ treatment may eventually benefit a⁢ broader population, including those resistant to current drugs or⁤ experiencing intolerable‌ side effects.

While the potential benefits⁣ are significant, cost remains a concern. professor David middleton of Lancaster ⁤University noted, “Statins are cheap to produce and are ⁢effective for most people.” The cost of VERVE-102 has ‌not yet been ​disclosed, ⁣but gene-editing​ drugs ​are generally expensive,⁢ though a single dose is theoretically ‌all that would be required.

Professor Bowman added, “This‍ new drug is trying to genetically ​switch off the ‌mechanism that makes our‌ cholesterol rise for good ⁣- and that ‌sounds amazing ⁤because people do not like⁢ taking tablets or having regular ‌injections. If it turns out to be effective and safe, ⁢it really ​could be a fabulous thing for the future.”

(Image: VERVE-102 could lower cholesterol levels with just a single shot, as opposed to keeping patients on medication like statins)

Daily Mail Health Editor Reveals Testicular Cancer Diagnosis After Years of Dismissed Symptoms

NEW YORK, November 26, 2025 – The Daily Mail’s health editor has revealed he was diagnosed with an aggressive testicular tumor, a condition he unknowingly carried while leading the publication’s coverage of rising cancer rates in young people. The editor, speaking publicly for the first time, detailed how symptoms he’d battled for years – chronic back pain and fatigue – were likely early indicators of the disease, ultimately missed even by himself.

The editor noticed a weight gain of 10lbs after returning to work and exercise, attributing it to a rebound in testosterone levels following treatment. He had been on vacation in October 2025, attempting to “reclaim what I can of the summer I missed.”

He recounted feeling embarrassment upon receiving the diagnosis, followed by a realization that the symptoms had been present for an extended period. For two years, he suffered excruciating back pain he initially attributed to slipped discs and jiu-jitsu. The pain vanished promptly after surgery and has not returned. Doctors believe the tumor caused inflammation radiating through his pelvis, irritating nerves around his spinal discs.

Chronic fatigue,previously blamed on a move to America,stress,and long working hours,is now understood to have been a common,early symptom of the cancer. “Yet I, the person leading the Daily Mail’s coverage of cancers in young people, had somehow missed my own,” he wrote. He reflected that perhaps it was his “mind that had failed to listen.”

testicular cancer, he explained, appears to be linked to genetic defects in germ cells – the cells that develop into sperm. While the exact cause of the cancerous change remains unknown, the incidence of testicular cancer is rising among young men. Studies indicate the rate has nearly doubled in the past 40 years in American men aged 20 to 34, making it the moast common form of cancer for men under 35.

The health editor is now urging anyone experiencing unusual symptoms,regardless of how minor they seem,to seek medical attention. “It coudl save yoru life – I’m hoping it’s saved mine,” he stated.

The Enduring Legacy of “Child of‌ Rage”: Understanding Reactive Attachment Disorder

The 1990 documentary “Child of Rage” offered a harrowing glimpse into the⁢ life of a young girl, identified as Beth, and⁢ her struggle with severe emotional⁤ and behavioral ⁢issues. While the‍ film sparked public conversation, it also served ​as a powerful, albeit disturbing, illustration of Reactive⁤ Attachment Disorder ​(RAD), a condition rooted ‌in ‍early childhood experiences of neglect and inconsistent caregiving. At its‌ core, RAD‌ develops when a child doesn’t receive the consistent, nurturing interactions‌ necessary to learn that the world is a ⁢safe place ​and that caregivers are reliable sources of comfort.

Beth’s​ case, as presented in the documentary, demonstrated the profound impact of early deprivation. She exhibited intense rage, a lack of empathy, and expressed disturbing fantasies ⁣of harming her adoptive ⁤mother. These​ behaviors weren’t born of malice, but​ rather stemmed from​ a deeply ⁢ingrained belief that connection equaled danger.Without ​a foundational sense of safety and trust, Beth’s brain‌ developed a survival strategy ‍centered on ​self-protection, even if that meant ‍pushing away those attempting to offer care.

The film highlighted the paradoxical⁤ nature of​ RAD: a desperate yearning for connection coupled with an overwhelming ‍fear of it. Beth’s reactions to affection⁤ – withdrawal,⁢ aggression, and testing boundaries -⁣ mirrored the experiance ⁣described by experts⁢ on the disorder. A ​hug or a kind gesture could trigger​ more anxiety than comfort, ⁢as her internal world interpreted such acts as ​potential threats. Relationships, for a child with RAD, can​ feel inherently unsafe, requiring painstaking effort and⁤ unwavering compassion to⁣ rebuild trust.

“Child of Rage” also poignantly ⁣illustrated the challenges faced⁢ by caregivers. Beth’s adoptive mother, despite her ⁤dedication and understanding, experienced repeated rejection and emotional distance. This cycle of closeness and withdrawal, a common dynamic in RAD, can be⁤ profoundly disheartening and lead to feelings ⁢of helplessness. It’s⁤ crucial ⁣to understand ‍that⁢ behaviors that appear defiant ⁤are often desperate attempts‌ to maintain control and protect oneself from perceived harm.

The documentary underscored the importance of ⁣recognizing that ‍behavior is communication. Deciphering the underlying needs‍ and fears⁣ driving ‍a child’s actions requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to ​look beyond​ the surface. Caregivers must consistently provide safety and stability, even ⁤when met with resistance, demonstrating ‍through their actions what a⁤ secure attachment can feel like.

The film’s impact⁤ extended beyond raising awareness of RAD. It also touched upon the complex emotions experienced ⁣by both the child and the caregiver – a blend of hope‌ for‍ healing and grief for the pain endured. Loving ‌a child who struggles to accept love is an incredibly demanding task,requiring profound ‍patience and courage.

However,⁢ it’s vital to remember that neither the child‌ nor the ⁣caregiver ⁤is at fault. Children ‌with RAD aren’t intentionally being arduous; they are responding to past experiences that have ⁣shaped their ​understanding of‍ the world. Similarly, caregivers aren’t failing when faced with resistance; they are⁤ engaged in the slow, steady work of building trust and demonstrating consistent ​care.

“Child ⁣of​ Rage” also ⁢implicitly ⁤highlighted the role of shame in perpetuating the cycle of⁢ disconnection. ⁢Both the child⁣ and the caregiver may experience shame related to the challenges ⁢of‍ RAD,creating barriers to seeking ⁣help and fostering healing. Addressing this shame through ‌understanding and support is ‌essential for creating a safe ​surroundings ​for growth ⁤and attachment.

While Beth’s long-term outcome remains largely unknown, the documentary continues ‌to serve‍ as⁢ a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences ⁣of early ‌childhood neglect and the​ importance of⁣ providing consistent,⁢ loving care to vulnerable children. It remains ⁣a crucial resource for understanding the complexities⁣ of Reactive Attachment Disorder and the enduring need for ⁣compassion and patience in the face of its challenges.