AI Insight
Several biotechnology startup companies are developing therapeutic approaches that modify epigenetic markers rather than altering the underlying DNA sequence itself. These epigenetic editing therapies are currently being tested to treat conditions ranging from high cholesterol to rare muscular disorders, representing a new application of CRISPR-based technology beyond traditional gene editing.
Why it matters
Epigenetic editing offers a potentially reversible approach to treating disease by changing how genes are expressed without permanently modifying the genome. This could provide safer therapeutic options for conditions where temporary or adjustable gene regulation is preferable to permanent genetic changes.
Understand the Science
Nature, Published online: 26 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01976-w
A handful of start-up firms are testing therapies that target specific epigenetic markers to treat everything from high cholesterol to a rare muscular disorder.
Source: CRISPR’s next act: the companies editing the epigenome to treat disease