Verve rises after initial data from early-stage study for gene editing therapy

Shares of Verve Therapeutics VERV.O rise 25.46% to $4.12 premarket

Co's experimental gene editing therapy helped cut a type of cholesterol in an early-stage trial

In 4 patients who received the highest dose, the therapy lowered levels of LDL-C, or low-density lipoprotein, which is commonly known as bad cholesterol by an average of 53%, while reduction of PCSK9, a type of protein, was 60%

Initial data shows among 14 participants across three dose levels, the therapy VERVE-102 was well tolerated with no significant safety concerns

The therapy is being studied in patients with genetic disorder heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and/or premature coronary artery disease, two populations that require deep and durable reductions of LDL-C levels in the blood

At least two analysts called the results a win, as safety was a main focus for investors after VERV paused enrollment for another trial testing its gene editing therapy called VERVE-101

Up to last close, stock was down 42% YTD