In a recent study, an investigational drug called lerodalcibep showed promising results in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, by as much as 50% in individuals who were unable to achieve target levels using statins. The year-long clinical trial included 922 adults who were randomly assigned to receive either monthly injections of lerodalcibep or a non-acting placebo.
The results of the study, published in JAMA Cardiology, indicated that 90% of participants who received lerodalcibep were able to reduce their LDL cholesterol by 50% or more, meeting the recommended target levels. Additionally, those who received lerodalcibep also experienced reductions in triglycerides and other lipids associated with cardiovascular risk.
While lerodalcibep is not yet approved by the FDA, the drug showed similar efficacy to FDA-approved PCSK9 inhibitors, which have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. However, further long-term studies would be needed to confirm whether lerodalcibep has a similar effect on cardiovascular risk.
One limitation of the study was the relatively small number of participants, although the diverse range of cardiovascular risk factors among the participants suggests that lerodalcibep could benefit a wide population. The drug may be particularly beneficial for individuals with atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Overall, the study provides promising evidence for the potential of lerodalcibep in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate the drug's effectiveness and safety profile.