ApoC-III as Therapeutic Target: Is it Primetime for Clinical Use?
Marta Biolo1, Federica Galimberti2, Camilla Portinari1
1Department of Medicine - DIMED, Clinica Medica 1, University of Padova, Padua, 35128, Italy.
Purpose Of Review:
Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) plays a pivotal role in triglyceride (TG) metabolism by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase and hepatic clearance of TG-rich lipoproteins, contributing to hypertriglyceridaemia and elevated cardiovascular risk, as well as a high risk of acute pancreatitis. This review aims to summarize current evidence on ApoC-III inhibition strategies.
Recent Findings:
Current treatments targeting Apo C-III include two antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) (volanesorsen and olezarsen), and a small interfering RNA (siRNA) (plozasiran). Volanesorsen, a second-generation ASO, has shown effectiveness in reducing TG and preventing acute pancreatitis, especially in patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). However, its use is limited by the risk of thrombocytopenia, likely related to its chemical structure rather than ApoC-III inhibition itself. Olezarsen, a third-generation ASO with GalNAc conjugation for targeted liver delivery, offers an improved safety profile and strong efficacy in lowering TG and atherogenic lipoproteins levels, making it a promising candidate for a broader clinical use. Plozasiran, a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA, has shown robust and sustained TG reductions with a favorable safety profile, and early data suggest it may also reduce acute pancreatitis risk. ApoC-III inhibition represents an innovative and effective approach in managing hypertriglyceridaemia and its complications. Further outcome-driven trials are essential to define its role in cardiovascular risk reduction.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Trials: Overview
Therapeutic Index
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Drug Administration and Therapy Phases: Overview
The pharmaceutical phase focuses on leveraging the physicochemical properties of the drug to design and manufacture an effective product. Variants include orally administered tablets or capsules, topical creams or ointments, and parenteral-delivery solutions or emulsions.
The pharmacokinetic phase...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses

![Automated Preparation of [68Ga]Ga-3BP-3940 on a Synthesis Module for PET Imaging of the Tumor Microenvironment](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F68356.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
