Bempedoic acid in the context of current hypolipidemic treatment options and the results of the CLEAR OUTCOMES trial
Abstract
Despite huge global efforts to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is still the dominant cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. In recent years, there has been a significant reduction in the prevalence of CVDs due to the impact of major risk factors on primary and secondary prevention, especially the consistent treatment of arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia.
However, despite the remarkable effect of statins, we are still not able to achieve the recommended target serum lipid levels in up to two-thirds of patients, which is why efforts to intensify hypolipidemic treatment are ongoing. Bempedoic acid, an ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor, represents a novelty among hypolipidemics.
By limiting endogenous cholesterol synthesis, it reduces LDL-cholesterol levels and consequently the incidence of cardiovascular events. This new treatment is promising both as monotherapy in statin-intolerant patients (in whom it can achieve up to 40% reduction in LDL-cholesterol concentration) and as part of combination regimens.
The following text summarises the current knowledge on the effects and safety of bempedoic acid and, in the light of the new findings and expert guidelines, provides practical recommendations on when the therapy should be indicated.