Verve Therapeutics, an experimental biotech startup, has halted the initial phase of a groundbreaking human gene-editing trial named “Heart-1” due to concerning side effects in a patient. This trial aimed to use gene editing to lower cholesterol levels in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high LDL cholesterol and increased risk of heart attack. Despite setbacks, Verve remains hopeful, pivoting to a new trial with improved drug delivery for potential life-saving gene therapies.

Costco, the reigning champ of the $1.50 hot dog and colossal-sized products, now offers weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Through an online consultation with Sesame, shoppers can access these drugs, boosting their popularity. Despite its irony, Costco’s move caters to the demand for weight loss solutions in a country where obesity is prevalent. Besides weight loss, these medications may offer additional health benefits, although side effects like stomach problems can occur. Novo Nordisk is even developing a potentially more effective weight loss pill called amycretin, which could hit Costco’s shelves in the future.

LyGenesis, a biotech company, has achieved a breakthrough by dosing a human patient with liver cells in a Phase 2a clinical trial to transform a lymph node into a functional liver. The treatment offers hope for the millions suffering from end-stage liver disease, as transplants are limited. By utilizing lymph nodes as bioreactors, the treatment aims to alleviate the organ supply-demand imbalance. Uncertainties remain, but the potential impact on patients is promising.