A recent international study led by Monash University in Australia has revealed encouraging results for a new cholesterol-lowering drug that could offer a more effective and convenient way to protect individuals at high risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The study focused on “obicetrapib”, an oral medication taken once daily. Clinical trials showed that the drug significantly reduced levels of both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, commonly known as “bad cholesterol”) and lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a)—two major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of the Victorian Heart Institute at Monash University and lead author of the study, presented the findings at the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress held in Glasgow, Scotland. He highlighted that these results represent a meaningful advancement for patients who struggle to reach target cholesterol levels despite using existing therapies.
“We know that many people at risk of heart attack or stroke don’t see enough of a cholesterol reduction, even with the best treatments currently available,” Nicholls stated.
Obicetrapib is emerging as a promising new option, having lowered LDL cholesterol by over 30% and Lp(a) by 33.5% during the trial—figures that are particularly notable given how difficult it is to reduce Lp(a), a lesser-known genetic risk factor for heart disease with few treatment options.
LDL cholesterol is known to build up in the blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Lp(a), though less widely recognised, accelerates arterial damage and is similarly linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Unlike LDL, there are currently no widely approved treatments specifically aimed at reducing Lp(a) levels.
The clinical trial included 2,500 participants with chronic heart conditions or genetically high cholesterol. Participants received either obicetrapib or a placebo, in addition to standard cholesterol medications. After 12 weeks, those who took obicetrapib saw a 32.6% reduction in LDL levels and a 33.5% drop in Lp(a), with a substantial number reaching guideline-recommended cholesterol targets.
