Ann Arbor, Michigan – A groundbreaking new study has shown promising results in the treatment of a deadly form of cholesterol known as Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). This type of cholesterol is often undetectable by routine tests and resistant to existing treatments, putting millions of Americans at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
Cardiologists are hailing the findings of the Phase 2 clinical trial, which demonstrated that a single dose of the experimental drug lepodisiran reduced Lp(a) levels by a remarkable 93.9% after six months. Even after a year, the effects of the drug persisted, with levels remaining 88.5% lower than baseline measurements. Patients who received a second dose at six months experienced a 94.8% reduction in Lp(a) levels at the one-year mark.
Dr. Eric Brandt, a preventive cardiologist at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, described the results as “remarkable,” noting the potential of these drugs to nearly eliminate Lp(a) from the body. The drug lepodisiran works by targeting the messenger RNA responsible for instructing the body to produce Lp(a), effectively reducing its levels in the bloodstream.
Previous studies have shown that individuals with high levels of Lp(a) face a significantly increased risk of developing arterial blockages and other cardiovascular complications. For many patients, a diagnosis of elevated Lp(a) comes as a surprise, as traditional cholesterol tests do not routinely screen for this dangerous form of cholesterol.
One man, Donald Kosec from Stow, Ohio, discovered his high Lp(a) levels after experiencing symptoms and undergoing bypass surgery. A clinical trial for a similar drug, olpasiran, showed promising results in reducing Lp(a) levels by at least 95% within nine months. While Kosec unfortunately received a placebo in the trial, he remains hopeful that new treatments for Lp(a) will soon be available to improve his prognosis.
Researchers believe that the findings of this study represent a significant advancement in cardiovascular medicine, offering hope to millions of Americans at risk of heart disease due to high levels of Lp(a). The results of this trial were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology and published in The New England Journal of Medicine, underscoring the importance of this breakthrough in the field.