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By Vickie Speek
Myriad Genetics Discovers High Cholesterol Gene
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. has announced the
discovery of a previously unknown genetic material that may be
responsible for high cholesterol levels in humans. The company is
listed on the Mormon Stock Index because Christopher L. Wight, its
vice president and general counsel, is LDS.
Research shows that individuals from families whose members had heart
attacks at an early age produce abnormal levels of the CHD2 (Coronary
Heart Disease 2) gene. New data also suggests that abnormal levels of
this protein are critical to the development of early-onset heart
disease.
Myriad conducted the study in collaboration with scientists from the
Cardiovascular Genetics Research Clinic at the University of Utah.
Scientists believe the CHD2 gene may be treatable with a new class of
medication designed to lower cholesterol and
reduce the risk of heart disease in those individuals with high
cholesterol. Current therapies are often inadequate in lowering
total cholesterol levels in many patients.
Estimates show that half of all men and one third of all women in the
U.S. will develop heart disease, the most common cause of
death, during their lifetime. The cost of treating heart disease in
the U.S. is estimated to be over $325 billion per year.
Source:
Myriad Genetics Discovers High Cholesterol Gene
PRNewswire 5Jun01 B4
CHD2 Enzyme is in Novel Pathway, May Lead to New Class Of Cholesterol Lowering Drugs
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