Therapy
Meta-analysis of 12 trials finds raloxifene lowers Lp(a) and ApoB while raising ApoA-I in postmenopausal women (Clin Ther 2024)
Original title: Effect of Raloxifene Treatment on Apolipoproteins and Lipoprotein(a) Concentrations in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
This meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials pooled 12 publications with 14 RCT arms to resolve inconsistent prior findings on raloxifene's effect on apolipoproteins and Lp(a) in postmenopausal women. Using a random-effects model, raloxifene significantly increased ApoA-I (weighted mean difference 6.06 mg/dL, 95% CI 4.38-7.75, P < 0.001), decreased ApoB (weighted mean difference -8.48 mg/dL, 95% CI -10.60 to -6.36, P < 0.001), and decreased Lp(a) (weighted mean difference -3.02 mg/dL, 95% CI -4.83 to -1.21, P < 0.001). These favourable effects were more pronounced in trials with participants averaging 60 years or older and treatment duration of 12 weeks or less. Given these lipid changes are each associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk, the authors suggest raloxifene may be a suitable option for postmenopausal women who already have another indication for the drug and are at elevated cardiovascular risk.
Original abstract
Background And Aim: Although various randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the effect of raloxifene on apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) concentrations in postmenopausal women, the results have been inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis of RCTs to investigate the effect of raloxifene administration on apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations in postmenopausal women.
Methods: Two independent researchers systematically searched the scientific literature (including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE) for English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 2024. We included RCTs reporting the impact of raloxifene on apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and Lp(a) levels in postmenopausal women. The primary outcome of interest was change in Lp(a), and the secondary outcomes were changes in ApoA-I and ApoB.
Findings: The present meta-analysis incorporated 12 publications with 14 RCT arms. The comprehensive outcomes derived from the random-effects model revealed a statistically significant increase in ApoA-I (WMD: 6.06 mg/dL, 95% CI: 4.38, 7.75, P < 0.001) and decrease in ApoB concentrations (WMD: -8.48 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.60, -6.36, P < 0.001) and Lp(a) (WMD: -3.02 mg/dL, 95% CI: -4.83, -1.21, P < 0.001) following the administration of raloxifene in postmenopausal women. In the subgroup analyses, the increase in ApoA-I and the decrease in ApoB and Lp(a) levels were greater in RCTs with a mean participant age of ≥60 years and a duration of ≤12 weeks.
Implications: The current meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrates that treatment with raloxifene reduces ApoB and Lp(a) levels while increasing ApoA-I levels in postmenopausal women. Since these effects on lipid components are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), raloxifene could be a suitable therapy for postmenopausal women who are at an increased risk of CVD and have other medical indications for raloxifene administration.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.