RNA therapeutics
Diet and lifestyle barely affect genetically determined Lp(a), but new drugs finally can, a review of future directions for Lp(a) treatment (Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2016)
Original title: Future Directions to Establish Lipoprotein(a) as a Treatment for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
This review by Stein and Raal discusses future directions for establishing Lp(a) lowering as a treatment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Both epidemiologic and genetic studies link elevated Lp(a) to increased cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis risk, but until recently effective Lp(a)-lowering options were lacking, since diet and lifestyle have little effect on the largely genetically determined lipoprotein. The authors highlight newly available or clinical-trial-stage therapeutic agents that can significantly lower Lp(a), expressing hope that studies with these agents will clarify whether reducing Lp(a) lowers cardiovascular event risk independent of LDL cholesterol reduction.
Original abstract
In both epidemiologic and genetic studies, increased levels of Lp(a) have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases as well as aortic stenosis. However, until recently, it has been difficult to lower levels of Lp(a). Diet and lifestyle have little effect on plasma levels of Lp(a) which are mainly genetically determined. Emerging therapeutic agents which have recently become available, or which are undergoing clinical trials, can significantly lower Lp(a) levels. Studies with these agents will hopefully be able to provide more direct information whether reductions in Lp(a) will reduce CVD events independently of reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.