Eli Lilly’s experimental drug lepodisiran has shown promising results in reducing levels of a genetically inherited risk factor for heart disease. In a midstage trial, the drug significantly lowered lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), by an average of 93.9% over six months. The study involved 141 patients who received either a high dose of lepodisiran or a placebo.
The results have raised hopes that lepodisiran could provide a new treatment option for individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Lilly plans to conduct further trials, including a Phase 3 study, to confirm the effectiveness of lepodisiran in reducing cardiovascular risks.
Several other companies, such as Silence Therapeutics and Novartis, are also developing injectable treatments for Lp(a). The development of an oral treatment by Lilly and Merck is another promising avenue. These advances offer new hope for individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels and their families, who currently have limited treatment options.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/experimental-lilly-drug-cuts-genetic-heart-disease-risk-factor-by-94-trial-2025-03-30