RNA therapeutics
As Lp(a)-lowering drugs enter outcome trials, should everyone be screened? A review by a leading cardiologist weighs the case (Curr Cardiol Rep 2021)
Original title: The Riskier Lipid: What Is on the HORIZON for Lipoprotein (a) and Should There Be Lp(a) Screening for All?
This review by Nicholls and Bubb examines the case for targeting Lp(a) as a novel cardioprotective strategy to address the residual cardiovascular risk that persists despite widespread management of traditional risk factors. Increasing evidence implicates Lp(a) in both atherosclerotic and calcific aortic valve disease pathogenesis. Novel agents that selectively lower Lp(a) have progressed to large clinical outcome trials evaluating their effect on cardiovascular events, and the authors conclude that accumulating evidence suggests targeting Lp(a) may prove effective in reducing cardiovascular risk, with these trials now positioned to determine whether the strategy benefits high-risk patients.
Original abstract
Purpose Of Review: Despite widespread targeting of cardiovascular risk factors, many patients continue to experience clinical events. This residual risk has stimulated efforts to develop novel therapeutic approaches to target additional factors underscoring cardiovascular disease. This review aimed to summarize existing evidence supporting targeting of Lp(a) as a novel cardioprotective strategy.
Recent Findings: Increasing evidence has implicated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] in the pathogenesis of both atherosclerotic and calcific aortic valve disease. Therapeutic advances have produced novel agents that selectively lower Lp(a) levels, which have now progressed to evaluate their impact on cardiovascular events in large clinical outcome trials. Evidence continues to accumulate suggesting that targeting Lp(a) may be effective in reducing cardiovascular risk. With advances in Lp(a) targeted therapeutics, clinical trials now have the opportunity to determine whether this strategy will be effective for high-risk patients.
aortic stenosisphase 3RNA therapeutics
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.