Can a genetic mutation kill heart disease? Not so fast

A recent New York Times article asked if a genetic mutation could be the key to wiping out heart disease. Dutch professor John Kastelein, PhD, MD, said it could be the final nail in the coffin of heart disease.

But in a Forbes op-ed, John LaMattina, PhD, former president of Pfizer Global Research, says everybody needs to take a deep breath.

“If [the ANGPTL3 blockers] can safely navigate late stage clinical trials, they will undoubtedly be approved by the FDA,” Kastelein writes. “These drugs will be important new treatments for those who have genetic abnormalities that result in high triglycerides. In fact, the FDA has already blessed evinacumab with a ‘Breakthrough Therapy’ designation. However, such designations do not guarantee commercial success.”

Check out the full discussion here:

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Nicholas Leider, Managing Editor

Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.

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