Until recently, cardiologists believed they were close to a breakthrough in heart disease treatment. Several companies conducted extensive clinical trials on experimental drugs targeting the blood protein, Lp(a), which was thought to contribute to heart attacks and strokes.
Novartis, the first company to conclude its trial, announced results last Friday after market closure. The drug successfully decreased Lp(a) levels by 80 percent, yet failed to prevent heart attacks and strokes. This unexpected outcome surprised cardiologists.
Dr. John Alexander from Duke noted, “There’s something we don’t understand here.” Cardiologists often encounter patients who suffer heart attacks despite having low cholesterol and blood pressure, no diabetes, obesity, or smoking habits, but elevated Lp(a) levels.
Approximately 20 percent of Americans have high levels of Lp(a). Those with the highest levels face double or triple risk of heart attacks. While Lp(a) was clearly significant, the anticipated protective drug did not provide the hoped-for solution.
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