Researchers led by John Marlowe at genetic medicines company nChroma Bio treated cultures of human liver cells infected with hepatitis B with a genetic package they designed called CRMA-1001. This microscopic delivery vehicle includes a targeting guide RNA to find the viral DNA and instructions for making a gene-silencing protein, all wrapped in protective lipid bubbles.
It is designed to travel directly to the viral DNA and attach chemical tags called methyl groups. These tags act like a mute button, keeping the virus switched off without cutting or altering any underlying DNA.