Why It's Too Early For Excitement About Lepodisiran's Ability To Reduce Cholesterol By Almost 100 Percent

NBC News touted the recent trial results for "stealthy cholesterol," but it is too early to call this the holy grail for eliminating coronary artery disease.

A new drug trial has touted results showing that Lp(a) was reduced by almost 100 percent. NBC News responded by hyping this new approach to reducing “stealthy cholesterol.” I assumed they named it stealthy because it is not part of routine blood fat tests, and therefore, most people are unaware of their levels. Lp(a) combines fat (cholesterol) and protein into one molecule. Yes, it does carry bad cholesterol throughout the body. Lp(a) is the same thing as lipoprotein (a).

Elevated lipoprotein(a) concentrations are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. As is the case of high blood cholesterol, it is also associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) but by itself does not cause it. How much cholesterol, particularly the bad form, contributes to CAD formation and worsening is still debated.

Lepodisiran is a new experimental drug th…