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Bempedoic acid: a promising novel agent for LDL-C lowering

    Anandita Agarwala

    Division of Cardiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, Campus Box 8086, St Louis, MO 63110, USA

    &
    Anne C Goldberg

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: agoldber@wustl.edu

    Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, Campus Box 8127, St Louis, MO 63110, USA

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/fca-2020-0016

    Bempedoic acid (ETC-1002) is a novel, first-in-class, oral, small molecule that inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in the same pathway as statins, thereby lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by upregulating LDL receptors. Preclinical and completed Phase II and III clinical trials have demonstrated promising results regarding its safety and efficacy across a variety of patient characteristics including statin intolerance and on a background of lipid-lowering therapy. Bempedoic acid is currently being evaluated in a cardiovascular outcomes trial to evaluate its effect on major cardiovascular events in patients with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease and with statin intolerance. In this review, we will discuss the history and development of bempedoic acid, relevant clinical trials, and its potential role as a lipid-lowering medication in the context of other currently available lipid-lowering therapies.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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