An RNA-based treatment has been used to lower levels of a dangerous cholesterol-carrying protein. 

The new treatment is aimed at lowering levels of lipoprotein A, which is a cholesterol-carrying protein that can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

Reducing the levels of this protein could help prevent blockages from forming in blood vessels, but unlike cholesterol, it is not something that can be reduced with diet and lifestyle choices.

In a world first human trial conducted in Australia, the US, and United Kingdom, researchers used a type of RNA, called siRNA or small interfering RNA, to stop the protein from being made in the first place.  

At 150 days after a single injection, the levels of lipoprotein A in 32 patients were reduced by between 46 and 98 per cent, depending on the dose of treatment. 

The authors say the findings support further trials on the safety and efficacy of this siRNA treatment.

More details on the trial are accessible here, while its authors have also issued an editorial detailing their findings.