Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
06:47
Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Novel Lipoprotein (a) Therapies: A Comprehensive Review
Ugochukwu Ebubechukwu1,2, Onyinye Ugoala3, Rameen Shahid4
1Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|August 13, 2026
Summary
New RNA-based therapies show significant potential for lowering lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a key cardiovascular risk factor. Late-stage trials are underway for antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA drugs, and oral inhibitors, with results expected soon.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a significant, heritable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis.
- Lp(a) levels are poorly managed by current treatments like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors.
- RNA-based therapies offer a novel approach to specifically target and reduce Lp(a).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current pipeline of Lp(a)-lowering therapies in late-stage development.
- To summarize ongoing cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) and novel therapeutic mechanisms.
- To provide an overview of emerging genomic and mechanistic approaches for Lp(a) management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phase 1-3 clinical trial data.
- Review of regulatory updates and trial registries up to mid-2026.
- Examination of new mechanistic and genomic methods for Lp(a) targeting.
Main Results:
- Five agents (pelacarsen, olpasiran, lepodisiran, zerlasiran, muvalaplin) are in late-stage development, utilizing antisense oligonucleotide, siRNA, and small-molecule inhibition.
- These agents demonstrate significant Lp(a) reductions (up to >95%) with favorable safety profiles.
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing targeting the LPA gene has entered early clinical studies.
- CVOTs are ongoing, with potential for regulatory approvals and guideline changes.
Conclusions:
- The therapeutic landscape for Lp(a) has rapidly advanced to late-stage clinical trials.
- Upcoming CVOT results are anticipated to influence global cardiovascular guidelines.
- Universal Lp(a) measurement is increasingly recommended in anticipation of new, effective therapies.
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