Obicetrapib plus ezetimibe as an adjunct to high-intensity statin therapy: A randomized phase 2 trial

Obicetrapib, a selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), lipoprotein particles, and apolipoproteins, when added to high-intensity statin in patients with dyslipidemia.

To evaluate the safety and lipid-altering efficacy of obicetrapib plus ezetimibe combination therapy as an adjunct to high-intensity statin therapy.

This double-blind, randomized, phase 2 trial administered 10 mg obicetrapib plus 10 mg ezetimibe (n = 40), 10 mg obicetrapib (n = 39), or placebo (n = 40) for 12 weeks to patients with LDL-C >70 mg/dL and triglycerides (TG) <400 mg/dL, on stable high-intensity statin. Endpoints included concentrations of lipids, apolipoproteins, lipoprotein particles, and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9), safety, and tolerability.

Ninety-seven patients were included in the primary analysis (mean age 62.6 years, 63.9% male, 84.5% white, average body mass index of 30.9 kg/m2). LDL-C decreased from baseline to week 12 by 63.4%, 43.5%, and 6.35% in combination, monotherapy, and placebo groups, respectively (p<0.0001 vs. placebo). LDL-C levels of <100, <70, and <55 mg/dL were achieved by 100%, 93.5%, and 87.1%, respectively, of patients taking the combination. Both active treatments also significantly reduced concentrations of non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and total and small LDL particles. Obicetrapib was well tolerated and no safety issues were identified.

The combination of obicetrapib plus ezetimibe significantly lowered atherogenic lipid and lipoprotein parameters, and was safe and well tolerated when administered on top of high-intensity statin to patients with elevated LDL-C.