Editas Medicine (EDIT) received approval in Australia to initiate the phase 1/2 Strive clinical trial of EDIT-401 in patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, the company said Thursday.

The trial has received approval from Australia's Human Research Ethics Committee and completed the Clinical Trial Notification process with Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, the company said.

The trial has also been submitted for review in New Zealand, the company said, adding that if approved, patients in both countries will be eligible to enroll in the trial.

The company also reported that new preclinical data demonstrating durability of LDL-C reduction with EDIT-401 will be released at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions from Nov. 6 to Nov. 9.