Latest news with #Obicetrapib
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Now a cholesterol pill to cut down the risk of a heart attack? New study reveals ‘hopeful' results
Imagine a building block that your body needs for building cells, making hormones, and aiding digestion. Now, think of a situation where the are so many building blocks that it becomes overcrowded, and instead of helping your body – the buildup of plaque in arteries and block the way of the heart functioning properly. Cholesterol works exactly like that. Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs for building cells, making hormones, and aiding digestion. But if you have too much cholesterol in your blood (high cholesterol), it can build up in your arteries, potentially leading to heart disease and other health issues. Now, a research trial has come up with a groundbreaking daily pill, a potentially simpler and more convenient method for managing high cholesterol levels, ultimately aiming to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Read on to know more. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is essential for building healthy cells and producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid digestion. Your liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, but you also get it from animal-based foods. While cholesterol is necessary, too much can lead to health problems like heart disease. There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good" cholesterol, it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol, it can build up in arteries, leading to plaque and potential blockages. Now, there is a strong link between cholesterol and heart disease. High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol in the blood can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing them and potentially causing heart attacks or strokes. While the body naturally produces cholesterol, dietary sources like saturated and trans fats can contribute to high levels, increasing heart disease risk. In order to manage cholesterol levels, one must adhere to a proper diet, regular exercise, and sometimes medication. The new study came up with this innovative medication, named Obicetrapib, which has recently been evaluated in a comprehensive Phase 3 clinical trial conducted at Monash University in Australia. Insight into the study and the medicine: The trial featured over 2,500 participants, with an average age of 65 years, all of whom had either been diagnosed with heart disease or exhibited genetically elevated cholesterol levels. According to a press release from the university, each participant was already on the "maximum tolerated doses" of traditional cholesterol-lowering therapies before enrolling in the study. In a controlled setting, one group of participants received Obicetrapib, while the other group was administered a placebo, all while continuing their existing cholesterol medications. Astonishing results emerged after just 12 weeks: those taking Obicetrapib exhibited a remarkable 32.6% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," and a significant 33.5% decrease in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a type of protein linked to heart disease risk. These compelling findings were shared at the recent European Atherosclerosis Society Congress held in the United Kingdom, and they were also published in the esteemed medical journal, The New England Journal of Medicine . Professor Stephen Nicholls, the study's lead and director of Monash University's Victorian Heart Institute and its associated Victorian Heart Hospital, highlighted a critical insight: 'We are aware that many individuals at high risk for heart attack or stroke fail to reach optimal cholesterol levels, even when utilizing the best available treatments.' Professor Nicholls emphasized the potential of Obicetrapib, stating that not only did it effectively lower LDL cholesterol by over 30%, but it also induced a noteworthy reduction in Lp(a), which poses a formidable challenge in treatment and is notably associated with increased heart disease risk. LDL cholesterol has become synonymous with adverse cardiovascular outcomes when present in excessive amounts, as it can accumulate in blood vessels, eventually heightening the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Conversely, lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetically inherited protein; unlike LDL, its levels cannot be modified through lifestyle changes or conventional medications. The researchers reported that Obicetrapib was "well-tolerated" among the trial participants, suggesting a favorable safety profile for this new option. Professor Nicholls remarked, 'This could be a valuable tool in the ongoing battle against heart disease. It offers convenience and efficacy, addressing a critical gap for patients who have exhausted available therapeutic options.' The limitations: However, the study did acknowledge certain limitations. For instance, participants were not specifically selected based on elevated Lp(a) levels, meaning the effects of the drug on this particular subgroup remain unclear. Additionally, while notable alterations in LDL levels were documented, the study did not track actual occurrences of heart attacks or strokes. To strengthen understanding of Obicetrapib's long-term efficacy and safety, further studies are deemed essential, particularly those that include diverse patient populations and follow them over extended periods. New study shows link between high cholesterol, heart disease 'inconsistent' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Fox News
15 hours ago
- Health
- Fox News
Experimental cholesterol pill cuts heart attack risk with 'convenient' once-daily dose
A new daily pill could provide an easier, more convenient way to lower cholesterol and reduce heart attack and stroke risk. The experimental medication, called Obicetrapib, underwent a Phase 3 clinical trial at Monash University in Australia. The trial included more than 2,500 people averaging 65 years of age. All had either been diagnosed with heart disease or had genetically high cholesterol, according to a university press release. All participants were receiving "maximum tolerated doses" of cholesterol-lowering therapy. One group received Obicetrapib and another group took a placebo, while still maintaining their existing cholesterol drugs. After 12 weeks, the participants taking the new drug showed a 32.6% reduction in LDL cholesterol and a 33.5% drop in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], the release stated. The findings were presented last month at the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress in the U.K. and were also published in The New England Journal of Medicine. "We know that many people at high risk of heart attack or stroke don't get their cholesterol levels low enough, even on the best available treatments," said study lead Professor Stephen Nicholls, director of Monash University's Victorian Heart Institute and Monash Health's Victorian Heart Hospital, in the release. "We know that many people at high risk of heart attack or stroke don't get their cholesterol levels low enough, even on the best available treatments." "Obicetrapib offers a promising new option — not only did it lower LDL cholesterol by over 30%, but we also saw a reduction in Lp(a), which is much harder to treat and has been linked to increased heart disease risk." Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is sometimes called "bad cholesterol," is associated with negative health effects when present in high amounts. LDL can build up in the blood vessels and increase heart attack and stroke risk, the researchers cautioned. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a protein that is known to greatly increase the chances of a heart attack when it's present in high levels in the blood. Unlike LDL, Lp(a) is an inherited risk factor that can't be modified with healthy behaviors or medications. Obicetrapib was found to be "well-tolerated" by the participants, the researchers noted. "This could be a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease," Nicholls added. "It's convenient, it's effective, and it may help close the gap for patients who've run out of options." The study — which was funded by NewAmsterdam Pharma, a developer of Obicetrapib that is based in the Netherlands — did have some limitations, the researchers noted. For example, the participants were not chosen based on high Lp(a), which means the study did not determine how the drug impacted those with elevated levels of the protein. Additionally, the study assessed changes in LDL levels, but did not measure actual heart attack or stroke outcomes. For more Health articles, visit More studies are needed to follow patients for longer time periods and to include more diverse cohorts, the researchers acknowledged. Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for additional comment.
India.com
12-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
New Cholesterol-Lowering Pill Shows Promise In Cutting Heart Attack And Stroke Risk
New Delhi: An international team of researchers found that a cholesterol-lowering drug may offer a more effective and convenient way to protect people at high risk of heart attack and stroke. The study led by researchers at Monash University in Australia tested a once-daily oral medication called Obicetrapib and found it significantly lowered both LDL or bad cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), [Lp(a)] -- two key contributors to cardiovascular disease. The findings marked an important step forward for patients who have struggled to reach their cholesterol targets with current therapies, said study lead Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of Monash University's Victorian Heart Institute. "We know that many people at high risk of heart attack or stroke don't get their cholesterol levels low enough, even on the best available treatments," Nicholls said. "Obicetrapib offers a promising new option-not only did it lower LDL cholesterol by over 30 per cent, but we also saw a reduction in Lp(a), which is much harder to treat and has been linked to increased heart disease risk," he added. LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," builds up in blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a lesser-known but inherited risk factor that can also accelerate artery damage -- and unlike LDL, there are currently no widely approved treatments to lower it. The trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included more than 2,500 participants with established heart disease or genetic high cholesterol who were given either Obicetrapib or a placebo, in addition to their regular cholesterol medications. After 12 weeks, those on Obicetrapib had dropped their LDL cholesterol by 32.6 per cent and Lp(a) by 33.5 per cent on average -- many achieved guideline-recommended targets for the first time. Obicetrapib was also well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to earlier trials. "This could be a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease," Professor Nicholls said. "It's convenient, it's effective, and it may help close the gap for patients who've run out of options."
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
This cholesterol pill may fight high risk of heart attack, stroke: Study
An international team of researchers found that a cholesterol-lowering drug may offer a more effective and convenient way to protect people at high risk of heart attack and stroke. The study led by researchers at Monash University in Australia tested a once-daily oral medication called Obicetrapib and found it significantly lowered both LDL or bad cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), [Lp(a)] -- two key contributors to cardiovascular disease. The findings marked an important step forward for patients who have struggled to reach their cholesterol targets with current therapies, said study lead Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of Monash University's Victorian Heart Institute. "We know that many people at high risk of heart attack or stroke don't get their cholesterol levels low enough, even on the best available treatments," Nicholls said. "Obicetrapib offers a promising new option-not only did it lower LDL cholesterol by over 30 per cent, but we also saw a reduction in Lp(a), which is much harder to treat and has been linked to increased heart disease risk," he added. LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," builds up in blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a lesser-known but inherited risk factor that can also accelerate artery damage -- and unlike LDL, there are currently no widely approved treatments to lower it. The trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included more than 2,500 participants with established heart disease or genetic high cholesterol who were given either Obicetrapib or a placebo, in addition to their regular cholesterol medications. After 12 weeks, those on Obicetrapib had dropped their LDL cholesterol by 32.6 per cent and Lp(a) by 33.5 per cent on average -- many achieved guideline-recommended targets for the first time. Obicetrapib was also well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to earlier trials. "This could be a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease," Professor Nicholls said. "It's convenient, it's effective, and it may help close the gap for patients who've run out of options."
