All articles tagged with #lpa
Novartis reported that its experimental heart drug pelacarsen failed to prevent heart attacks or strokes in a major trial, despite significantly lowering the targeted blood protein Lp(a). This setback, following recent failures by Novo Nordisk, has spooked investors and raised doubts about the viability of the entire Lp(a) drug class, though analysts note the hypothesis is not yet disproven.
Novartis announced late Friday that its experimental heart drug, pelacarsen, failed to prevent heart attacks and strokes despite reducing lipoprotein(a) levels by 80%. The drug, developed with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, was the first major candidate in a multi-billion dollar race to treat elevated Lp(a), a genetic risk factor affecting roughly 20% of the population. While the drug lowered the protein significantly, it did not improve clinical outcomes in a trial of over 8,000 patients. The failure has raised concerns for competitors like Amgen and Eli Lilly, whose similar drugs may face higher hurdles, though some analysts argue the specific mechanism of pelacarsen may not invalidate the broader hypothesis that lowering Lp(a) reduces cardiovascular risk.
Novartis announced that its experimental drug pelacarsen failed to reduce cardiovascular events in a pivotal Phase 3 trial, despite lowering lipoprotein(a) levels. The setback has triggered a sharp decline in Novartis shares and raised concerns for competitors Amgen and Eli Lilly, though analysts suggest the broader hypothesis for Lp(a) therapies remains viable.
Novartis reported that its experimental drug pelacarsen failed to significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes in a late-stage trial, despite lowering lipoprotein(a) levels. The setback has raised concerns about the viability of the entire Lp(a) drug class, impacting competitors like Amgen and Eli Lilly. While the hypothesis that lowering Lp(a) reduces heart risk is not disproven, the failure casts doubt on a potential multi-billion dollar market and impacts Novartis's patent cliff strategy.
Novartis announced that its experimental drug pelacarsen failed to reduce major cardiovascular events in a large Phase 3 trial, despite successfully lowering Lp(a) levels. The setback impacts the broader Lp(a) drug market, though competitors like Amgen and Eli Lilly continue their own trials.
Novartis announced on September 4, 2026, that its experimental drug pelacarsen failed to reduce cardiovascular events in the Phase 3 HORIZON trial. While the drug successfully lowered Lp(a) levels, it did not prevent heart attacks or strokes compared to placebo. This setback impacts the broader Lp(a) therapeutic field, though competitors like Amgen and Eli Lilly continue development.
Updated guidelines emphasize that the duration of LDL exposure and overall cardiovascular risk drive prevention, prompting earlier statin use and personalized LDL targets (below 55 mg/dL for very high risk, 70 mg/dL for high risk, up to 100 mg/dL for intermediate). The PREVENT calculator informs treatment intensity, and Lp(a) testing is now recommended once in adulthood. Start cholesterol screening in ages 9–11 and repeat every five years from 19. Statins are generally safe; muscle-related side effects are rare, and if one statin isn’t tolerated, another can often be tried.
The 2026 ACC/AHA Dyslipidemia Guideline updates risk assessment with a new PREVENT calculator, reintroduces explicit LDL-C targets (including very low goals for high-risk individuals), and adds universal lipoprotein(a) screening and calcium scoring for intermediate risk. About 1 in 3 Americans without heart disease have LDL above the new goals, and nearly 4 in 5 with a prior cardiovascular event do. Treatment is now driven by overall cardiovascular risk rather than a single LDL number, with options spanning statins to non-statin therapies (ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, Inclisiran) and the new Lipfrenda, while supplements generally don’t replace proven therapies. The guidelines also flag undertreatment and racial disparities in statin use and emphasize early, personalized risk-based decisions.
A new JAMA study finds measuring apolipoprotein B (apoB) in cholesterol screening may more accurately identify who needs treatment to prevent heart attacks and strokes than LDL or non-HDL cholesterol. The findings align with updated guidelines that emphasize additional tests, like Lp(a), for assessing risk, and suggest apoB can reveal cardiovascular risk even when LDL appears normal.
The ACC/AHA's updated cholesterol guidelines urge starting prevention early, expand testing beyond traditional cholesterol (including Lp(a) and ApoB) and use risk tools like CAC scanning to tailor treatment. They emphasize lifestyle first—plant-based, whole foods, limited ultra-processed foods, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep—with routine cholesterol checks for adults 19+ and childhood screening for those with family history. While lifestyle changes are central, medications such as statins may be necessary for some, and supplements are not a reliable shortcut. Prevention is a lifelong commitment.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands argues that standard wellness panels miss key midlife risks for women and recommends five essential tests: ApoB and Lp(a) for cardiovascular risk; fasting insulin for metabolic health; vitamin D and ferritin for nutrient status; a full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3/T4, antibodies); and free/total testosterone with SHBG to inform treatment decisions. These tests are not usually part of routine panels but enable proactive, precision care during perimenopause; bring this list to your next appointment or order the tests yourself if necessary.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association issued new cholesterol guidelines: start screening earlier, add a one-time Lp(a) test, use a smarter PREVENT risk calculator, lower LDL targets (below 100 for healthy, under 70 for medium risk, under 55 for high risk), and expand treatment options with newer meds alongside lifestyle changes. The piece also links health stewardship to Jewish law, outlining six mitzvot that emphasize protecting life and well-being and urging individual doctor-guided plans.
Updated ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines emphasize earlier detection and personalized risk assessment, with more aggressive LDL-C lowering and a new PREVENT risk calculator for 10- and 30-year risk starting at age 30; recommend one-time Lp(a) testing, consider risk enhancers and coronary calcium scoring to tailor therapy, set LDL targets of <100 mg/dL for most, <70 mg/dL for intermediate risk, and <55 mg/dL for high risk, and expand therapies beyond statins (ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, PCSK9 inhibitors); childhood screening for familial hypercholesterolemia is advised, while lifestyle remains foundational.
Lp(a) is a genetically determined cholesterol particle linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke that standard tests miss. Lifestyle and most cholesterol meds don’t meaningfully lower Lp(a); newer gene-silencing therapies show large reductions in Lp(a) in trials and could reduce events if confirmed. Testing is often advised for those with a family history or unexplained risk, but for now heart health still hinges on managing LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, activity, and diet.
Novartis, Amgen and Eli Lilly are racing to prove that lowering Lipoprotein(a) can prevent heart attacks. They’re in late-stage trials of pelacarsen, olpasiran and lepodisiran, which have achieved >80% reductions in Lp(a) so far, but it’s unclear if this lowers events; readouts are due mid-year for Novartis, 2027 for Amgen, and 2029 for Lilly. A successful outcome could unlock a multi-billion-dollar market—about $5.6 billion annually by 2032—though doctors say screening for Lp(a) remains uncommon and uptake will depend on solid outcome data.