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Published on: November 10, 2017

Emerging targets for the treatment of dyslipidemia

A Tavridou1, G Ragia, V G Manolopoulos

  • 1Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece. atavrid@med.duth.gr

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|December 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

New therapies are emerging to manage dyslipidemia and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. These treatments target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, offering better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Current statin therapies are insufficient for many patients, leaving residual cardiovascular risk.
  • Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and high triglyceride levels contribute significantly to this residual risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel therapeutic agents for dyslipidemia management.
  • To explore alternative approaches beyond statins for lipid-lowering.
  • To discuss HDL-targeted therapies for improving antiatherosclerotic properties.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical development of novel dyslipidemia agents.
  • Categorization of therapies by mechanism of action (e.g., enzyme inhibition, gene silencing, receptor agonism).
  • Examination of HDL-targeted strategies including CETP inhibitors and HDL-mimetic agents.

Main Results:

  • Several novel agents are in development, including squalene synthase inhibitors, apoB-100 targeting antisense oligonucleotides, PCSK9 inhibitors, MTP inhibitors, PPAR agonists, and THR agonists.
  • HDL-targeted therapies aim to increase HDL-cholesterol or enhance its protective functions.
  • Combination therapy with existing drugs shows promise for enhanced lipid management.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging agents offer new monotherapy or combination treatment options for dyslipidemia.
  • These novel therapies have the potential for more effective CVD risk reduction.
  • Improved management of dyslipidemia can significantly decrease the global burden of cardiovascular disease.

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