J Lipid Atheroscler.  2023 Jan;12(1):37-46. 10.12997/jla.2023.12.1.37.

New Therapeutic Approaches to the Treatment of Dyslipidemia 2: LDL-C and Lp(a)

• Kim KA
• Park HJ

• KMID: 2539214
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12997/jla.2023.12.1.37

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There are abundant and unequivocal data to indicate that low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are a cause of ASCVD. Reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by medical therapy such as statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have proven to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, for many reasons, many patients are not able to achieve LDL-C levels recommended by guidelines on currently available therapies. This has led to the development of new drugs lowering LDL-C, such as inclisiran, bempedoic acid, and evinacumab, in the hope of reducing cardiovascular (CV) risk. Drugs targeting lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) also have a role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, with genetic studies having established that 20%–30% of the human population inherits plasma Lp(a) levels in the atherogenic range. In this paper, we will review the recent progress made in the approaches to LDL-C and Lp(a) therapeutic modulation.

Keyword

Atherosclerosis; Low density lipoprotein cholesterol; Lipoprotein (a); Therapeutics; Cardiovascular diseases