PCSK9 shot: 62% LDL reduction
A single-infusion gene-editing therapy (VRRV-102) targeting the PCSK9 gene reduced LDL cholesterol by 62% and PCSK9 protein levels by 88% in a Phase 1 trial.
Snapshot · Moonshots with Peter Diamandis
Anthropic Files $965B IPO, Trump Signs AI Executive Order, and ChatGPT Crosses 1B Users | EP #262
Explore episode
Jun 6, 2026
Where this was said
VRRV-102: One Shot That Could Cure Heart Disease
At 1:34:10 · chapter starts 1:33:35
A single CRISPR base-editing infusion permanently switches off PCSK9, cutting LDL 62% for 18+ months in Phase 1 trials. Wissner-Gross calls it Star Trek-level medicine. [1] — Peter Diamandis "VRRV-102 is a single gene-editing infusion that permanently switches off the PCSK9 gene, cutting LDL cholesterol 62% and sustaining results…" 1:33:30 [2] — Dr. Alexander Wissner-Gross "AI is going to cook math. AI is cooking math. AI has cooked math." 1:02:13
PCSK9 Phase 1 duration: 18 months
The LDL reduction from the VRRV-102 PCSK9 gene-editing therapy was sustained for up to 18 months in the Phase 1 trial — from a single infusion.
The Perfect Algorithm Question: Would We Even Need More Compute?
Even with a perfect AI algorithm, Dr. Wissner-Gross argues compute demand would still surge — Jevons Paradox style. Algorithmic improvements are currently absorbing half of all hardware gains. If they saturate, hardware pressure would only intensify.
Similar snapshots
50% of U.S. adults report being lonely
The U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 report on loneliness found that half of American adults report feeling lonely, marking a widespread epidemic of social isolation.
Brain.fm increased focus brainwave activity by 119%
In a peer-reviewed study, Brain.fm's audio technology was shown to increase focus-related brainwave activity by 119%, according to the show's sponsor read.
Wealthier countries have highest rates of anxiety and depression
The Easterlin Paradox shows that wealthier nations — and the wealthiest neighborhoods within them — tend to have the highest rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicide.
More than 3 in 4 Americans report anxiety or depression
Mental health challenges are nearly universal — BetterHelp's own research found the majority of Americans experiencing symptoms right now.
Medicaid 5-year look-back rule
When applying for Medicaid to cover nursing home costs, there is a 5-year look-back period that can disqualify applicants who gave away or spent down assets.
Pipe broke → hydrogen sulfide studio air
A broken pipe filled the Bad Friends studio with what the hosts identified as hydrogen sulfide — microscopic fecal aeroparticles — that the crew denied smelling.
Robot surgery: 10x less blood loss
Fei-Fei Li's father's liver surgery performed by a da Vinci robot resulted in 10 times less blood loss than a typical open liver surgery, thanks to laparoscopic precision.
115M US adults have prediabetes
Approximately 115 million adults in the US currently have prediabetes, most of whom are unaware, according to the Lingo sponsor segment.
Drug overdose deaths: 110K to 80K to 70K
Drug overdose deaths in the US fell from 110,000 to 80,000 in 2024, and then to roughly 70,000 — the largest single-year drop the CDC has ever recorded.
