RNA therapeutics
Review surveys ten RNA-based agents targeting Lp(a), PCSK9, ApoC-III and ANGPTL3 in dyslipidaemia (Int J Mol Sci 2025)
Original title: Novel RNA-Based Therapies in the Management of Dyslipidemias
This review covers antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs as nucleic-acid therapeutics for dyslipidaemia, explaining how antisense oligonucleotides block mRNA translation while siRNAs trigger mRNA degradation via the RNA-induced silencing complex. It surveys completed and ongoing trial data for ten RNA-based agents targeting PCSK9, Lp(a), ApoC-III and ANGPTL3: inclisiran, pelacarsen, olpasiran, zerlasiran, lepodisiran, volanesorsen, olezarsen, plozasiran, zodasiran and solbinsiran. Each agent's primary lipid target and secondary effects on other lipid parameters are discussed, alongside chemical modifications that improve stability and mRNA targeting. The review positions RNA-based Lp(a)-lowering agents such as pelacarsen, olpasiran and lepodisiran within the broader landscape of nucleic-acid dyslipidaemia therapeutics as trials mature toward outcome data.
Original abstract
Pharmaceutical advancements and an improved understanding of pathophysiology have enabled innovative therapies for chronic conditions like dyslipidemia. This condition is marked by abnormalities in lipid homeostasis. Nucleic acid therapeutics, including antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, are novel management strategies that silence genes by targeting mRNA. Antisense oligonucleotides modify mRNA to inhibit protein production, whereas small interfering RNAs induce mRNA degradation via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), thus offering promising treatments for dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Chemical modifications improve their stability and mRNA targeting. RNA-based therapies targeting PCSK9, Lp(a), ApoC-III, and ANGPTL3 hold transformative potential for treating dyslipidemia effectively. This article discusses the latest data from completed and ongoing trials on RNA therapies for dyslipidemia, including inclisiran, pelacarsen, olpasiran, zerlasiran, lepodisiran, volanesorsen, olezarsen, plozasiran, zodasiran, and solbinsiran. Each therapy targets specific molecules while also significantly impacting other lipid parameters. The promising results of these trials indicate potential improvements in lipid therapy and cardiovascular risk reduction, with ongoing studies expected to further refine the role of the novel RNA-based agents in effective lipid management.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.