Experimental heart disease drug lowers risk factor but fails to prevent events

Researchers tested an experimental drug called pelacarsen that lowers lipoprotein(a), a cholesterol-carrying particle associated with heart disease, according to kwbu.org and kzyx.org.

The study involved 8,350 adults with existing heart disease who received either pelacarsen or a placebo. The drug reduced lipoprotein(a) levels by about 78%, the reports said.

Despite this significant reduction, after five years the lowered lipoprotein(a) did not translate into fewer heart attacks or strokes among participants, the sources reported.

The lead researcher, cardiologist Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, expressed surprise and disappointment at the results, noting the ongoing need for therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk.

The findings were presented at an American Heart Association meeting and detailed in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlighting the challenge of preventing heart disease even in patients who manage other risk factors well.