Experimental Drug Movalaplin Shows Promising Results in Lowering Cholesterol Transporters: A Breakthrough in Cardiovascular Disease Treatment

The Promise of a New Drug to Combat Cardiovascular Disease

An experimental drug called movalaplin has shown promising results in its first human trial, reducing the number of cholesterol transporters that block blood vessels at an impressive rate. This breakthrough offers hope in finding ways to lower lipoprotein levels associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.

The Role of Lipoproteins in the Body

Lipoproteins are responsible for carrying cholesterol around our body through the blood. Cholesterol is essential for various vital functions such as building cell walls, producing vitamin D, and creating hormones.

The Sticky Molecule Linked to Heart Disease

Among lipoproteins, lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) for short, is the stickiest molecule and has a tendency to clog blood vessels when it aggregates with too many of them. Recent studies have connected this molecule to heart disease, poor circulation, and strokes.

Challenges in Lowering Lipoprotein Levels

Lowering Lp(a) levels is challenging, as changes in diet and increased exercise have minimal impact. Previous attempts to reduce lipoprotein levels with drugs have also been largely unsuccessful.

A New Approach: Interfering with Lipoprotein Production

The experimental drug movalaplin is the first oral medication specifically designed to lower Lp(a) levels by interfering with its production. In a randomized pharmaceutical trial, movalaplin was tested on 114 volunteers of different ages, genders, and races.

Positive Results from the Trial

The trial demonstrated that even a single dose of movalaplin led to a decrease in Lp(a) levels in the blood plasma within 24 hours. The reduction depended on the dosage, with some patients experiencing up to a 65% decrease during the study. Importantly, this decrease in Lp(a) levels persisted for 50 days after the last dose without affecting other fat levels. The drug was well-tolerated by all participants.

Ensuring Safety and Evaluating Side Effects

Phase one clinical trials aim to determine the safety of a new drug for human use and evaluate potential side effects. In this study, a total of 175 side effects were reported, including headache, back pain, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. However, these side effects were mild and resolved without any long-term effects.

Next Steps: Phase 2 Clinical Trials

While this preliminary study shows promising results, it is essential to conduct larger Phase 2 clinical trials involving a more extensive group of researchers. These trials will provide a greater statistical power to assess the drug’s efficacy and evaluate any potential long-term risks over several years.

This study was funded by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and was published in JAMA.

Source: Science Alert