Key points:
- A new drug offers a first treatment for Lipoprotein(a), a largely genetic form of cholesterol that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- A trial showed the oral drug lowers level of “sticky” cholesterol by 65%.
- The drug will now continue into larger phase clinical trials.
On Monday, researchers at the European Society of Cardiology Congress presented the results of their successful trial of Muvalaplin, the first drug to treat “sticky cholesterol.”
Lipoprotein(a) is a largely genetic form of cholesterol that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Lp(a) is similar to LDL cholesterol, sometimes called “bad cholesterol,” but is stickier, increasing risk of blockages and blood clots in arteries. Common LDL-lowering drugs, such as statins, don’t have the same effect on Lp(a). Being largely genetic, Lp(a) is also difficult to control through diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.
The trial, led by Stephen Nicholls, cardiologist and Director of Monash University’s Victorian Heart Institute, demonstrated that Muvalaplin lowered patient levels by up to 65%. It works by disrupting the ability for Lp(a) to form in the body, according to the results published in JAMA.
“This drug is a game changer in more ways than one. Not only do we have an option for lowering an elusive form of cholesterol, but being able to deliver it in an oral tablet means it will be more accessible for patients,” said Nicholls. “Lp(a) is essentially a silent killer with no available treatment. This drug changes that.”
The researchers found that Muvalaplin may also have potential to be used in the treatment of other vascular and valve diseases.
The trial was undertaken in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic and Eli Lilly. The drug will now continue into larger phase clinical trials.