A new drug, Lepodisiran, has shown significant promise in reducing a key genetic risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. According to Eli Lilly’s recent Phase 2 trial results, the treatment was able to significantly lower levels of lipoprotein(a) by an average of 95% over a 60-180 day period.
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a protein that transports cholesterol and is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Despite having effective treatments for high cholesterol, there has been no treatment available to manage elevated Lp(a) levels until now.
Twenty to 30% of the population is estimated to have elevated Lp(a) levels, with approximately 6 million people in the US affected by this condition. While diet and exercise can help lower Lp(a) levels slightly, new drugs like Lepodisiran offer a more significant reduction.
The Phase 2 trial involved 320 participants over 40 years old with very high Lp(a) levels. The study’s findings demonstrate that Lepodisiran is a game-changer in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, providing a potential solution for individuals with elevated Lp(a) risk factors.
Source: https://news.virginia.edu/content/qa-could-new-drug-help-prevent-heart-attacks-and-strokes