Recruitment at The Christ Hospital Health Network Begins for the Pulse-1 Study of VERVE-201
CINCINNATI (September 9, 2026) – The Christ Hospital Health Network is now enrolling patients for a clinical trial evaluating a new gene-editing medicine for adults with high cholesterol. The research is made possible through The Carl and Edyth Lindner Research Center.
VERVE-201, sponsored by Verve Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is an investigational medicine designed to durably lower triglycerides and cholesterol following a single infusion. VERVE-201 consists of a messenger RNA encoding an adenine base editor and a guide RNA (gRNA) targeting the patient’s genes. The ongoing trial is enrolling adult participants aged 18 to 70 years at The Christ Hospital.
“High cholesterol in patients left unchecked for years is one of the leading risk factors for heart and vascular disease,” said Dean Kereiakes, MD, Chairman of the Heart and Vascular Institute and Principal Investigator for the trial at The Christ Hospital. “Heart disease remains the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. If proven safe and effective, medicines such as VERVE-201 could provide a new treatment option for patients in the future. Through The Carl and Edyth Lindner Research Center, The Christ Hospital is once again leading the way by bringing breakthrough clinical trials with the latest medicines to prevent and treat heart disease in our community for generations to come.”
Pulse-1 is an ongoing open‑label, single‑ascending dose Phase 1b study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamic effects of VERVE-201 in adults with refractory hyperlipidemia, including hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia. Participants who qualify for Pulse-1 based on elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) must not be at treatment goal despite taking maximally tolerated background lipid lowering therapy (e.g. statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, ezetimibe, and other cholesterol lowering medications) and have a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or severe hypercholesterolemia. Participants who qualify based on triglycerides must have a history of severe hypertriglyceridemia that is refractory to standard of care therapies (e.g. fibrates, niacin, fish oil, and other triglyceride-lowering therapies).
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 137 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,600 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outc6mes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #3 hospital in Ohio and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2026.
###
- The Christ Hospital Health Network Named the Tristate’s Only Mitral Valve Repair Reference CenterThe Christ Hospital Health Network has been recognized with the Mitral Foundation’s Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award, making it the only recognized center in the Tristate.
- The Christ Hospital Shows a “Labor of Love” to Families this Holiday WeekendGrowing a family is a true labor of love. The Christ Hospital Health Network is partnering with Cincy Postpartum to support families as they navigate the transition into parenthood.
- First Responders Bring Life Saving Technology to Hamilton County via PulsePointThe Hamilton County Fire Chief’s Association announced the adoption of PulsePoint in Hamilton County to further the region’s commitment to creating a healthy and civically engaged community.
- The Christ Hospital Named as One of America’s Best Physical Rehab CentersThe Christ Hospital has been named one of America’s Best Physical Rehab Centers for 2026 by Newsweek. The Christ Hospital was one of just 15 networks in the state of Ohio.
- The Christ Hospital Health Network Partners with Hubbard’s Cupboard to Help Students at Taft ElementaryThe Christ Hospital Health Network is once again partnering with The Sam Hubbard Foundation to help local students at Taft Elementary School in Mt. Auburn.
- The Christ Hospital Health Network’s Odayme Quesada, MD, Receives $3.6 Million NIH GrantNationally Recognized Women’s Heart Expert Will Lead the First Clinical Trial of Its Kind
- Physicians at The Christ Hospital Health Network Perform 100th Zephyr Valve CasePhysicians at The Christ Hospital Health Network recently performed the 100th Zephyr Valve case. The procedure helps patients with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
