Pelacarsen lowers Lp(a) but does not reduce cardiovascular events in trial
Health · First reported 7 Nov, 14:50 · Updated 15:13
A large trial found that pelacarsen substantially lowered lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), but did not reduce heart attacks, strokes, cardiovascular deaths or related procedures among participants. Researchers say the result leaves questions about Lp(a)-lowering treatment unresolved, while other drugs remain under study.
- Pelacarsen reduced Lp(a) by about 78% compared with placebo, but the trial found no measurable reduction in cardiovascular events.
- The trial studied more than 8,300 adults with elevated Lp(a) who had a history of heart disease or another cardiovascular problem.
- Experts offered possible explanations for the result, including treatment beginning too late, participants’ other risk factors being well controlled, or the possibility that other Lp(a)-lowering drugs could have different effects.
Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles
Key facts
- Drug
- Pelacarsen, an experimental injection developed by Novartis.
- Trial
- Horizon; NBC News reports 8,322 participants and NPR reports 8,350.
- Lp(a) change
- About 78% lower with pelacarsen than with placebo.
- Cardiovascular outcomes
- The trial did not show a reduction in cardiovascular events.
- Other treatments
- Other Lp(a)-lowering drugs are in clinical trials; NBC News also reports oral muvalaplin research and early-stage CRISPR development.
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