Lipoprotein(a) Foundation Highlights AHA Research Presenting Initial Results of Therapies Under Development to Reduce Lp(a)
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Study Published in AHA Journal Demonstrates that Reducing High Lp(a) in those at Highest Risk could have a Significant Impact on the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease

Lancet Reviews Clinical Implications of the Findings from Trials of Two ASOs Targeting Lp(a)

November 10, 2016 11:44 AM Eastern Standard Time

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is highlighting a number of studies presenting initial results of therapies under development to reduce Lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a), at the upcoming American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2016, November 12-16, 2016 in New Orleans. Members of The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board were involved with many of the studies being presented, as well as recently published studies that bolster the growing body of research that demonstrates the impact of elevated Lp(a) and its significance as an independent, genetic risk factor for early cardiovascular disease.

The study "Estimating the Population Impact of Lp(a) Lowering on the Incidence of Myocardial Infaction and Aortic Stenosis," was recently published in the American Heart Association journal, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. With potent Lp(a)-lowering therapies on the horizon, researchers sought to estimate the potential population impact of Lp(a) lowering that may be achieved by these therapies in primary prevention. Results showed that reducing high Lp(a) could potentially prevent up to 1 in 14 cases of myocardial infarction and 1 in 7 cases of aortic valve stenosis. The authors conclude that reducing high Lp(a) in those at highest risk could have a significant impact on the burden of cardiovascular disease.

"These data demonstrate that among those with high Lp(a), nearly 1 in 3 heart attacks and 1 in 2 cases of aortic stenosis can be attributed to high Lp(a) and may be preventable with Lp(a) lowering therapy. Whether future randomized trials will confirm these findings remains to be seen," said Dr. George Thanassoulis, MD MSc FRCP(C), Director of Preventive and Genomic Cardiology at the McGill University Health Center and Associate Professor at McGill University, Montreal.

Added Professor, Chief Physician Børge Nordestgaard at Copenhagen University Hospital and University of Copenhagen, "Lowering of Lp(a) in individuals with very high levels has the potential of removing a large part of the residual cardiovascular risk still present in those on a statin. We are eagerly awaiting Lp(a) lowering trials aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease."

The current issue of the Lancet, includes the findings from two randomized, placebo-controlled trials of two antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with different modified chemistries targeting Lp(a). Additionally, the issue also included a commentary, “No small task: therapeutic targeting of Lp(a) for cardiovascular disease,” in which Mark W Feinberg, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, reviews the potential clinical implications of the findings and suggests areas for future investigation.

The following studies being presented at AHA were highlighted by the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation:

One in 5 people globally have inherited high Lp(a) - 63 million in the U.S.4 and Lp(a) is currently the strongest monogenetic risk factor for coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis.2,3 Lp(a) concentrations can be measured by a simple blood test, but it is not included in most standard lipid panel tests that check cholesterol levels.1 The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation issued an Infographic to raise awareness that a simple blood test could be the first step in preventing up to 120,000 cardiovascular events every year. 1,5

"The mission of the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is to empower patients and prevent cardiovascular events due to high Lipoprotein(a) through proper testing and diagnosis. We are pleased to see that the AHA is featuring a number of studies reinforcing the clinical impact of Lp(a) and are encouraged by the presentation of initial results of therapies under development. We commend the dedication of our Scientific Advisory Board and will continue to support their efforts to provide a specific treatment for elevated Lipoprotein(a) soon," said Sandra Revill Tremulis, founder of Lipoprotein(a) Foundation.

About The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation

Because approximately 63 million Americans have high Lipoprotein(a) and are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease, the vision for the foundation is: To live in a world where high Lipoprotein(a) is routinely diagnosed, treated and family screened.

The mission is to prevent cardiovascular events due to high Lipoprotein(a) by diagnosing this inherited risk for cardiovascular disease; educating and empowering patients and saving lives. Our goal is to save lives by increasing awareness, advocating for routine testing, and supporting research that will lead to a specific treatment for elevated Lipoprotein(a). Based in San Carlos, California, the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is a patient-founded, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information go to: www.lipoproteinafoundation.org

1-5 Citations available upon request.

Contacts

Lipoprotein(a) Foundation
Chris K. Joseph, 510-435-4031
cjoseph@lipoproteinafoundation.org

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