STAT+: New treatments for common cardiovascular risk factor near the market, with billions at stake

Unlike cholesterol, there is no approved therapy to lower levels of Lp(a) An illustration of a lipoprotein(a) particle. Lp(a), as it’s abbreviated, is a blob of lipids and proteins that can drive the formation of plaques and make blood clots more likely.JUAN GAERTNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. Many people who face a heightened likelihood of heart disease and heart attacks can take protective measures, whether by adjusting their lifestyle or starting medication. But 1 in 5 people carry a risk factor that isn’t so easily addressed. This gap in medicine is also a potentially massive market for drugmakers, which are advancing experimental treatments for the risk factor through late-stage trials, including front-runner Novartis. Their target is what’s known as Lp(a) — or, as it’s commonly said, “L-P-little-A.” If you have high levels of Lp(a), it’s largely because of genetics, and there’s not much you can do about it. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71.