Tag Archives: CETP

Lowering LDL-cholesterol: we need to do better It is essential that high-risk patients attain the recommended low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol target. As reported at the first late-breaking session, the choice and dose of statin are key factors influencing LDL-cholesterol lowering. In a meta-analysis of the VOYAGER (Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis of Statin Therapy in At-risk Groups: Effects of Rosuvastatin, Atorvastatin and Simvastatin) database of 37 studies of high-intensity statins, 71% of patients treated with rosuvastatin 40 mg achieved at least 50% reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels, compared with 59% for atorvastatin 8

Two phase I studies with anacetrapib (Lancet 2007;370:1907–14), show impressive effects on raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)  and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), with no signs of any increase in blood pressure. The authors, from Merck, US, conclude: “Anacetrapib seems to exhibit HDL-C increases greater than those seen with other investigational drugs in this class and LDL-C-lowering effects similar to statins. Despite greater lipid-altering effects relative to other members of this class, anacetrapib seems not to increase blood pressure, suggesting that potent CETP inhibition by itself might not lead to incre