RNA therapeutics
Elevated Lp(a) above 50 mg/dL affects 1 in 5 people worldwide, a review of modern genomic insights into Lp(a) (Curr Opin Lipidol 2017)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a): new insights from modern genomics
This review by Afshar and Thanassoulis covers recent genomic insights into Lp(a), the strongest independent genetic risk factor for both myocardial infarction and aortic stenosis, also linked to ischaemic stroke. Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and remain fairly stable throughout life, with levels above 50 mg/dL affecting 1 in 5 people worldwide. The authors review recent epidemiologic and genetic evidence supporting Lp(a) causal role in cardiovascular disease, summarise European and Canadian guideline recommendations on Lp(a), and survey the rapidly evolving landscape of Lp(a)-lowering therapies, including antisense therapies and PCSK9 inhibitors. The review concludes Lp(a) is poised to gain significant clinical relevance as novel Lp(a)-lowering therapies emerge.
Original abstract
Purpose Of Review: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is the strongest independent genetic risk factor for both myocardial infarction and aortic stenosis. It has also been associated with other forms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) including ischemic stroke. Its levels are genetically determined and remain fairly stable throughout life. Elevated Lp(a), above 50 mg/dl, affects one in five individuals worldwide.
Recent Findings: Herein, we review the recent epidemiologic and genetic evidence supporting the causal role of Lp(a) in CVD, highlight recommendations made by European and Canadian guidelines regarding Lp(a) and summarize the rapidly evolving field of Lp(a)-lowering therapies including antisense therapies and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 inhibitors.
Summary: With novel therapies on the horizon, Lp(a) is poised to gain significant clinical relevance and its lowering could have a significant impact on the burden of CVD. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
geneticsguidelinesPCSK9 inhibitionRNA therapeutics
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.