Medicine

Experimental RNA drug slashes harmful cholesterol levels in early human trial

How the science connects

Cardiovascular dis…CholesterolRNA interference

AI Insight

Kylo-11, a novel small interfering RNA therapy, was tested in a first-in-human phase 1 trial for its ability to lower lipoprotein(a), a cholesterol particle associated with cardiovascular disease risk. A single dose of 225 mg or higher was well tolerated and produced sustained reductions in serum lipoprotein(a) levels lasting up to 48 weeks. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrates the potential for long-duration RNA-based treatments targeting this difficult-to-treat cardiovascular risk factor.


Elevated lipoprotein(a) affects approximately 20% of the population and currently has no approved therapies specifically targeting it. The extended duration of effect from a single dose could offer a more convenient treatment approach compared to frequent injections or daily pills, potentially improving patient adherence and cardiovascular disease prevention.


A single dose of Kylo-11 was well tolerated, and at doses of 225 mg or higher, durably reduced serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations up to 48 weeks.

Source: [Articles] Safety and lipoprotein(a)-lowering effects of Kylo-11, a non-canonical, long-duration small interfering RNA targeting lipoprotein(a): a first-in-human, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 trial