Ongoing challenges for pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia

Abstract

Introduction: While increasing evidence has led to lipid-modifying therapy achieving an important role in the treatment guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, these agents are suboptimally used and there remains a considerable risk of clinical events. Accordingly, there is a need to develop more effective lipid-modifying approaches in many patients.

Areas covered: A literature search was performed of topical manuscripts focusing on factors influencing use of established therapies and new agents in development that target a range of lipid factors.

Expert opinion: More intensive efforts are required to ensure that statin use is maximized in higher risk patients. A range of novel therapies, including proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin-type 9 and cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors, may provide additional protection, although this remains to be established by clinical trials.

Keywords:

• atherosclerosis
• cardiovascular risk
• lipid-modifying therapy
• lipids

Declaration of interest

S Nicholls has received research support from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Amgen, Novartis, Resverlogix, Cerenis and Infraredx and consulting fees from AstraZeneca, Amgen, Eli Lilly, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merk, Takeda, Roche and Novartis. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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