Study: Eli Lilly Pill Cuts Genetic High Cholesterol 86%
Facts
- Cholesterol pill Muvalaplin, newly developed by US drug company Eli Lilly, has been shown to lower lipoprotein(a) — or Lp(a) — by 70% using regular blood tests and by 85.8% using a new blood test developed by the company called 'intact lipoprotein(a) assay.'[1]
- Lp(a), for which there is no current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment, is an inherited form of cholesterol that raises the risk of cardiovascular disease. Muvalaplin is reportedly the first oral medication to lower Lp(a) levels.[2][3]
- The phase 2 trial compared three doses (10 mg, 60 mg, and 240 mg) in 233 adults, showing dose-dependent reductions in Lp(a) with no major safety concerns. The study was conducted at 43 sites across Asia, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and the US from 2022-2023.[4][1]
- Using the new blood test, the percentage of people dropping their Lp(a) levels to less than 125 nmol/L by week 12 was 64.2% (10 mg), 95.9% (60 mg), and 96.7% (240 mg). In contrast, only 6% of the placebo group achieved the same results.[4][5]
- With the traditional blood test, the results were 38.9% (10 mg), 81.9% (60 mg), and 77.4% (240 mg), compared to 3.6% in the placebo group. Side effects, which included diarrhea, nausea, and back pain, were found in ≤6% across all groups, and drug discontinuation in 0%-9%.[4]
- High levels of Lp(a) can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, aortic valve narrowing, peripheral artery disease, and fatty plaque buildup in arteries. It's found in about 20% of people globally, especially among those of African and South Asian descent.[3]
Sources: [1]reuters.com, [2]The Business Standard, [3]American Heart Association, [4]JAMA Network and [5]Eli Lilly and Company.
Narratives
- Narrative A, as provided by TCTMD.com and NHLBI. These studies are paramount given the lack of medications for Lp(a) cholesterol, not to mention at least one-fifth of the world currently dealing with dangerous Lp(a) levels. The medical field must ramp up diagnostic screenings and, hopefully by the time people know they have it, pharmaceutical remedies will be available to prevent patients from having strokes or heart attacks.
- Narrative B, as provided by Paddybarrett and Youtube. While proven medications are welcome news, their effectiveness may not be as successful as hoped given the current US medical establishment's Lp(a) screening guidelines. Americans should be encouraged to screen earlier in life, before any cardiovascular events even occur. People should also be encouraged to monitor their weight, diets, and other lifestyle habits.