It slashes the risk by 94%.
A new drug, lepodisiran, developed by Eli Lilly, has shown promise in significantly lowering levels of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a lesser-known blood particle linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. In a recent study, a single dose of the drug reduced Lp(a) levels by 94%, with effects lasting up to six months and no major side effects. Despite the potential impact of Lp(a) on cardiovascular health, testing for it remains uncommon, leaving many individuals unaware of their elevated risk.
Lp(a) is largely determined by genetics, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise have little effect on its levels. Studies indicate that individuals with slightly high Lp(a) levels face a 25% greater risk of heart disease, while those with very high levels—about 10% of the population—are at twice the risk. Experts emphasize the importance of testing, especially for younger individuals who suffer unexpected heart attacks, as Lp(a) may be an underlying factor. However, testing rates remain low, with only a small percentage of people with heart disease having been screened.
While lepodisiran has demonstrated the ability to reduce Lp(a) levels, more research is needed to determine whether this directly translates to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. A large-scale clinical trial for the drug is expected to conclude by 2029, while similar research on another drug from Novartis may provide results as early as next year. Experts remain hopeful that these treatments could lead to breakthroughs in preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly for those with genetically high Lp(a) levels.
Doctors stress the need for increased awareness and routine Lp(a) testing, as identifying high levels early could help individuals manage other risk factors such as cholesterol and blood pressure. Some patients have already benefited from experimental treatments, though long-term solutions are still in development. If further studies confirm that reducing Lp(a) lowers heart attack and stroke risk, lepodisiran and similar drugs could play a crucial role in cardiovascular care.
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