Lipoprotein(a) is a lesser-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease that often goes undetected during routine physical exams. Similar to LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, high levels of lipoprotein(a) can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and aortic stenosis.
Unlike cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) is not influenced by statins or lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Instead, its levels are primarily determined by genetics, making it challenging to manage for the estimated 1 in 5 individuals with elevated levels. In the United States alone, about 64 million people are at risk, with a staggering 1.4 billion people worldwide facing potential complications due to high lipoprotein(a) levels.
Recently, at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions, researchers presented Phase 2 data on two promising treatments for elevated lipoprotein(a). The first is an oral drug called muvalaplin, which showed positive results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels. The second treatment is an RNA-silencing injection known as zerlasiran, which also demonstrated efficacy in managing elevated lipoprotein(a) levels. Both studies were published in JAMA and involved leading experts in the field, including Steven Nissen from the Cleveland Clinic and Stephen Nicholls from Monash University.
These findings are significant as they offer hope for individuals with high lipoprotein(a) levels who have few treatment options available. The development of targeted therapies like muvalaplin and zerlasiran could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and improve outcomes for millions of people at risk of complications associated with elevated lipoprotein(a).
Overall, the research presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions highlights the importance of addressing lipoprotein(a) as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the potential for innovative treatments to make a difference in managing this condition. The promising results of these studies provide a glimpse of hope for individuals with high lipoprotein(a) levels and pave the way for future advancements in the field of cardiovascular medicine.
