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Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Synthesis of Monocyte-targeting Peptide Amphiphile Micelles for Imaging of Atherosclerosis
Published on: November 17, 2017
New Drugs for Atherosclerosis
Caroline S Bruikman1, Robert M Stoekenbroek1, G Kees Hovingh1
1Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Atherosclerosis, a key factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD), is linked to dyslipidemia. Novel lipid-lowering therapies beyond statins are emerging to combat persistent CVD mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a primary driver of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Dyslipidemia is a critical risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis.
- Statins effectively reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and CVD events, but CVD remains a leading cause of mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel therapeutic agents for lipid lowering.
- To explore potential advancements in anti-atherosclerotic drug therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current and emerging lipid-lowering drug development.
- Analysis of the role of dyslipidemia in atherosclerosis progression.
Main Results:
- Despite statin therapy, significant residual CVD risk persists.
- Several novel lipid-lowering agents are progressing through development pipelines.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic agents hold promise for revolutionizing anti-atherosclerotic drug therapy.
- Addressing residual risk through new therapies is crucial for reducing CVD mortality.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis, the underlying process that ultimately leads to clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), is caused by the multifactorial interaction of various conditions, and dyslipidemia is widely acknowledged as 1 of the crucial risk factors in this process. Statin drugs have been shown to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and CVD morbidity as well as mortality and are therefore pivotal in CVD prevention. Despite the use of statin drugs, CVD remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, which suggests that additional lipid-lowering therapies are warranted. Several novel therapeutic agents, which are described in this review, are now well on their way in their respective development paths and might revolutionize anti-atherosclerotic drug therapy.
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