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Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Advances in biological therapies for dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis
Eftaxia-Konstantina Valanti1, Katerina Dalakoura-Karagkouni2, Gerasimos Siasos3
14th Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 'Attikon' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Molecular Biology Division, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece; Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease influenced by genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. Despite therapeutic advances that reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, atherosclerosis-related diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Precise targeting of genes involved in lipoprotein metabolism is an emerging approach for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment. This article focuses on the latest developments, clinical potential and current challenges of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and genome/transcriptome modification strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides, genome/base editing and gene therapy. Multiple lipid lowering biological therapies have already been approved by the FDA with impressive results to date, while many more promising targets are being pursued in clinical trials or pre-clinical animal models.
Insights
Targeting genes in lipoprotein metabolism offers new ways to prevent and treat atherosclerosis. Approved therapies show promise, with ongoing research into advanced strategies like gene editing and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a complex disease with significant global mortality.
- Current treatments reduce cardiovascular event risk but don't eliminate mortality.
- Lipoprotein metabolism gene targeting is a promising therapeutic avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging strategies for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.
- To focus on monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and genome/transcriptome modification.
- To discuss the clinical potential and challenges of these novel therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on advanced atherosclerosis therapies.
- Analysis of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and gene-based strategies.
- Examination of FDA-approved biological therapies and ongoing clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Several lipid-lowering biological therapies are FDA-approved with positive outcomes.
- Monoclonal antibodies and vaccines show potential for atherosclerosis management.
- Genome/transcriptome modification strategies (gene therapy, editing) are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Targeting lipoprotein metabolism genes is a key emerging strategy.
- Advanced therapies offer new hope for reducing atherosclerosis-related mortality.
- Continued research and clinical trials are essential for therapeutic advancement.
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