New Era Begins for Lp(a) Treatment
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Introduction
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of cholesterol particle that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and aortic valve issues. Unfortunately, common treatments like statins have little impact on Lp(a). A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine brings hope by showing that lepodisiran, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy, can reduce Lp(a) levels by up to 95 percent after just one injection.
About the Study
This Phase 2 clinical trial enrolled 320 adults across 66 international sites. All participants had high Lp(a) levels, over 175 nmol/L. They were randomly assigned to receive different doses of lepodisiran (16 mg, 96 mg, or 400 mg) or placebo, via subcutaneous injection. Some received a second injection at 180 days. The goal was to observe how much Lp(a) levels dropped over time and how long the effect lasted.
What Did They Find?
The results were striking:
- The 16 mg dose reduced Lp(a) by about 41 percent from day 60 to day 180
- The 96 mg dose achieved a 75 percent reduction
- The 400 mg dose, either as a single shot or repeated at day 180, brought about a 93.9 to 94.8 percent drop in Lp(a)
These reductions were sustained over time. Even at day 360, the effect of a single 400 mg dose still showed an 88.5 percent reduction. By day 540, Lp(a) levels remained 74.2 percent below baseline.
Safety
Lepodisiran was generally well tolerated. Some participants experienced mild injection site reactions such as redness or itching. There were no serious side effects directly linked to the drug.
Why This Matters for India
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in India, and elevated Lp(a) levels are common, especially among younger patients who suffer heart attacks despite having normal cholesterol. Yet, no approved treatment currently targets Lp(a). Lepodisiran’s ability to deliver long lasting effects with just one or two injections per year is especially promising for improving adherence and access in India’s busy healthcare settings.
Takeaway
Lepodisiran may become a game changer in heart disease prevention, especially for those with genetically high Lp(a). If further studies confirm that lowering Lp(a) reduces heart attacks and strokes, lepodisiran could soon be part of mainstream cardiovascular care even in India. For now, it represents a beacon of hope in the fight against silent yet deadly heart risks.