Imagine a world where one injection a year could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This scenario may not be far away thanks to lipodisiran, a new drug that is making headlines in the field of medical research. In a recent study, lipodisiran demonstrated the ability to reduce levels of a form of genetic 'bad' cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), over a prolonged period.
This result opens new perspectives in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially for those people who are genetically predisposed to high levels of this type of cholesterol.
A new approach to “genetic” cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance for our body, but when present in excess, it can lead to serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease. There lipoprotein(a): Lp(a), is a particular form of cholesterol which, unlike other forms, is mainly influenced by genetics, which makes it difficult to control through diet or lifestyle. And this is where lipodisiran comes into play, a drug that acts at a molecular level to reduce the production of Lp(a).
The research behind lepodisiran
The lipodisiran study, conducted by a team of researchers (and funded by Eli Lilly and Company) involved 48 participants with abnormal Lp(a) levels. Participants who received lipodisiran injection showed a significant reduction (more than 94%) of Lp(a) levels, with effects that lasted almost a year. A remarkable result, considering that there are currently no specific treatments for high Lp(a).
The research on lipodisiran, published in JAMA (I link it to you here) is not just a step forward in the fight against genetic cholesterol. Above all, it is a viaticum for new therapeutic strategies to combat cardiovascular diseases. If further studies confirm the effectiveness and safety of lipodisiran, this drug may become a standard treatment for people with high levels of Lp(a). A simple and effective solution to a big problem.
Beautiful prospects
Lipodisiran represents hope for millions of people with high levels of Lp(a) and at risk of cardiovascular disease. The possibility of an effective, long-lasting treatment, with a simple annual injection, could transform the way we tackle this health challenge.
It remains to be seen how future studies will pan out, but optimism is high and the implications for public health could be enormous.
