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An update on emerging drugs for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia

Adam J Nelson1, Kristen Bubb1,2, Stephen J Nicholls1

  • 1Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.

Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
|November 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

High LDL cholesterol drives cardiovascular disease. New therapies are needed as many patients don't reach cholesterol goals with current treatments, necessitating advanced lipid-lowering strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Lipidology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a primary cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • Extensive clinical trials confirm cardiovascular risk reduction with intensive lipid-lowering therapies, including statins and combination agents.
  • A significant number of patients do not achieve target LDL cholesterol levels, underscoring persistent cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review contemporary data on LDL cholesterol atherogenicity and the benefits of current lipid-lowering therapies.
  • To emphasize the impact of statin intolerance and failure to achieve LDL cholesterol goals on residual cardiovascular risk.
  • To discuss the emergence of novel therapeutic agents for more effective LDL cholesterol reduction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of contemporary data on LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
  • Analysis of clinical trial outcomes for lipid-lowering therapies.
  • Evaluation of the role of statin intolerance and treatment goal attainment.
  • Assessment of emerging pharmacological approaches for LDL cholesterol management.

Main Results:

  • Contemporary evidence reinforces the atherogenic role of LDL cholesterol.
  • Current lipid-lowering therapies, while effective, leave many patients unable to reach recommended LDL cholesterol goals.
  • New therapeutic agents are emerging to address the unmet need for more potent LDL cholesterol reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Effective LDL cholesterol lowering is crucial for cardiovascular disease prevention.
  • Combination therapy is increasingly necessary for optimal lipid control in a growing patient population.
  • Novel agents are essential to provide adequate therapeutic options for high-risk individuals.
Abstract

Keywords:
Hypercholesterolemiacardiovascular diseasecardiovascular preventionlipid lowering agentsrisk factor

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