Verve Therapeutics pauses gene-editing trial for high cholesterol due to safety concerns, causing stock to plummet.

Verve Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VERV) stock plummeted after the company announced it paused enrollment in a study of its gene-editing treatment for high cholesterol due to safety concerns. The experimental approach reduced cholesterol levels in the first five participants but caused a sixth patient to develop abnormal liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia, a low blood platelet count condition. Verve is investigating the issue and will collaborate with health authorities to determine the next steps.