RNA therapeutics
Review surveys Lp(a)'s biochemistry, disease associations, and the emerging case for pharmacological Lp(a) reduction (J Clin Med 2024)
Original title: Role of Lipoprotein(a) Reduction in Cardiovascular Disease
This review examines Lp(a) as a risk factor implicated across a range of cardiovascular diseases, emphasising that its levels are genetically determined and predict cardiovascular risk independent of lifestyle factors. It covers Lp(a)'s biochemistry and mechanism of atherogenic effect, summarises the evidence linking Lp(a) to cardiovascular disease, and surveys emerging approaches to lowering Lp(a), noting that treatment options remain limited but that ongoing research into Lp(a)-lowering therapies is showing promising early results. The review is positioned as a general orientation to the field for clinicians seeking an overview of why Lp(a) reduction matters and where the therapeutic pipeline currently stands.
Original abstract
Recent studies have shown that lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an important risk factor for a plethora of different cardiovascular diseases. It has been proven that Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and correlate with risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of lifestyle factors. As of yet, treatment options to reduce Lp(a) levels are limited, but new research into Lp(a) reduction yields promising results. This review delves into Lp(a)'s biochemistry and mechanism of effect, the association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular diseases, and possible therapies to minimise cardiovascular disease.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.