An investigational drug, olezarsen, has demonstrated a significant reduction in triglyceride levels, up to 50%, in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, according to a recent study by Mass General Brigham. This finding, presented at the American Academy of Cardiology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests a potential breakthrough in managing high triglycerides and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Addressing Hypertriglyceridemia
Hypertriglyceridemia, characterized by elevated triglyceride levels in the blood, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can lead to acute pancreatitis. Triglyceride levels are categorized as normal (less than 150 mg/dL), borderline high (150-199 mg/dL), high (200-499 mg/dL), and very high (500 mg/dL or greater). "When your triglycerides are elevated at all, that increases your risk of the things we often think about with high cholesterol — heart attack and stroke," says Dr. Brian Bergmark, an interventional cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and investigator in the TIMI Study Group.
Current Treatment Limitations
Existing treatment options for hypertriglyceridemia are primarily limited to lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, weight loss, and stress reduction. While some medications, like statins, can have a small impact on triglyceride levels, there are currently no approved treatments that can substantially lower them. "All of those things are helpful to manage risk, but they do not, in a meaningful way, target high triglycerides or lower triglycerides," Dr. Bergmark notes.
Olezarsen: A Potential Game-Changer
The study results indicate that olezarsen effectively reduces triglyceride levels to an extent not currently achievable with available medications. This is particularly significant for individuals with severely high triglyceride levels who face an increased risk of acute pancreatitis and damage to the heart, brain, and blood vessels. Olezarsen also lowered two other substances that are strong indicators of cardiovascular risk.
Implications and Future Directions
"Olezarsen effectively reduced triglyceride levels to a degree that is not currently possible with approved medications on the market," says Dr. Bergmark. The development of new agents like olezarsen could provide more options for patients struggling with hypertriglyceridemia. Further research is underway to explore the full potential of olezarsen and other emerging therapies in this area.
