Cholesterol: New options against the “bad” LDL

Against high values of the "bösen" LDL-cholesterol decades there have been numerous effective medications. Since the well-known therapies do not lower the values but not always sufficient, will continue to research new drugs. At a Training conference for pharmacists in Schladming, Professor Dr. Dietmar Trenk from the bathroom was Krotzingen some view rich candidates for the future.

As the first new candidate Trenk called the Bempedosäure. This ingredient has in the body a similar goal as the for a long time in therapy, proven statins: It intervenes in the chain of reactions in the body cholesterol &ndash is formed; however, in a different "Kettenglied" as the statins. The Bempedosäure prevents the formation of cholesterol. Your advantage is that you will be converted after taking first in the liver to an active substance. It exerts its effect mainly in the liver and in addition in muscle cells. Therefore, the hope is that the Bempedosäure is not the case of statins, common side effects of the muscles was, according to Trenk.

Two other new approaches have the enzyme PCSK9 to the target, which affects the binding sites for LDL-cholesterol on the surface of the liver cells. PCSK9 is blocked, there are more LDL-binding sites on the cells that can pull LDL out of circulation: The value of LDL-cholesterol in the blood decreases significantly. The new active ingredient Inclisan now prevents PCSK9 is built up in the body. It only needs to be twice per year by injection, and lowers the LDL permanently by about 50 percent, said Trenk. Currently, a study is running with 3000 participants.

A research approach consists of a vaccination against PCSK9. In the case of a first-in-human study, the participants received three doses at intervals of four weeks and a booster after a year. Trenk: "The LDL reduction was discreet, and possible side effects are unclear." He assumes, however, that a stronger effect is expected if the vaccine is improved.

It is to be hoped that these carry a lot of promising approaches to research fruits, to be able to in the future, even more patients with high LDL values. Elevated LDL is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, and the following serious cardiovascular incidents.

RF

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