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Current Atherosclerosis Reports

Published in:

05-02-2024 | Review

Novel Therapies for Lipoprotein(a): Update in Cardiovascular Risk Estimation and Treatment

Authors: Anders Berg Wulff, Børge G. Nordestgaard, Anne Langsted

Published in: Current Atherosclerosis Reports | Issue 4/2024

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Lipoprotein(a) is an important causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease but currently no available medication effectively reduces lipoprotein(a). This review discusses recent findings regarding lipoprotein(a) as a causal risk factor and therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease, it reviews current clinical recommendations, and summarizes new lipoprotein(a) lowering drugs.

Recent Findings

Epidemiological and genetic studies have established lipoprotein(a) as a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Guidelines worldwide now recommend lipoprotein(a) to be measured once in a lifetime, to offer patients with high lipoprotein(a) lifestyle advise and initiate other cardiovascular medications. Clinical trials including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, and an oral lipoprotein(a) inhibitor have shown great effect on lowering lipoprotein(a) with reductions up to 106%, without any major adverse effects.

Summary

Recent clinical phase 1 and 2 trials show encouraging results and ongoing phase 3 trials will hopefully result in the introduction of specific lipoprotein(a) lowering drugs to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Title: Novel Therapies for Lipoprotein(a): Update in Cardiovascular Risk Estimation and Treatment
Authors: Anders Berg Wulff
Børge G. Nordestgaard
Anne Langsted
Publication date: 05-02-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Atherosclerosis Reports / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1523-3804
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6242
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-024-01192-9

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