New and emerging lipid-lowering therapy

Statins remain the drugs of choice in patients at risk of or with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins have limitations that drive the development of investigational agents to manage dyslipidemias and/or reduce ASCVD risk. There are a few small-molecule drugs that have the potential to mitigate ASCVD risk either alone or in combination with statins. Most lipid-modifying drugs in clinical development are biologic agents that target specific enzymes or genetic-based protein synthesis. Limitations of the biologic agents include complex mechanisms of action and manufacturing processes with indications in select patients with genetic dyslipidemia or who have failed traditional therapies. The ultimate clinical utility of the new and investigational agents will become established over the next several years.