Eli Lilly reported early Phase 1 results for its VERVE-102 base-editing program, saying a single infusion reduced LDL cholesterol by as much as 62% and sustained the effect for up to 18 months. Lilly previously acquired the asset through its $1 billion buyout of Verve Therapeutics, after an earlier Verve candidate was stopped over safety concerns. In the open-label single-ascending dose study, Lilly said there were no treatment-related serious adverse events, and dosing translated into LDL reductions comparable to those seen with the PCSK9 antibody class in genetically high-cholesterol populations. The company positioned the therapy as a potential one-time approach for patients who struggle to reach LDL targets on existing lipid-lowering regimens. The program targets PCSK9 by editing DNA to alter PCSK9 gene function, aiming to provide long-lasting LDL lowering from a one-time treatment. Lilly’s disclosure adds another data point as the company expands gene-editing and genetic medicine ambitions following prior acquisitions in the modality.