New cholesterol pill, Nexletol, lowers heart attack risk for patients who can’t take statins: study
A drug called bampedoic acid (brand name Nexlatol) has been shown to be an effective option for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attack, according to a major study published Saturday in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Most cholesterol medications are statins, which “work by blocking substances your body needs to make cholesterol,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Some examples of statins are atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (brand name Crestor).
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Although statins are effective in lowering cholesterol, not everyone can tolerate them.
Some common side effects include headache, nausea and muscle/joint pain.
According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, a drug called bampedoic acid — brand name Nexlatol — has been shown to be an effective option for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attack. (iStock)
In rare cases, statins can cause high blood sugar (which can lead to type 2 diabetes), memory problems, and damage to the liver, muscles, or kidneys.
Like statins, nexlatol also works by inhibiting the production of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) in the liver — but it does so in a different way and without the reported side effects, according to the report.
Those taking Nexletol showed a 13% lower risk of major cardiac events and a 23% lower risk of heart attack.
Bempedoic acid has previously been prescribed as a companion drug to statins.
In the new study, led by Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, researchers tested its use without statins and found that it had the desired effect on its own.
Of the 13,970 patients from 32 countries who participated in the study, half took Nexlatol and half took a placebo.
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Those taking Nexletol showed a 13% lower risk of major cardiac events (cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke or coronary revascularization).
Additionally, patients who took bampedoic acid were shown to have a 23% lower risk of heart attack.
Although statins are effective in lowering cholesterol, some common side effects include headache, nausea and muscle/joint pain. (iStock)
The number of deaths did not differ between the two groups; Differences in mortality rates may require a longer study period, the researchers said.
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The study was presented Saturday at a meeting of the American College of Cardiology and was funded by Nexlatol maker Aspirin Therapeutics.
Nexletol also works by blocking the production of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) in the liver – but in a different way than statins.
Dr. Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. John H. Alexander, who was not involved in the study, wrote in the journal that the study results were “compelling” — and that they “will and should” be used by patients who cannot or choose not to take statins.
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“However, it is premature to consider bempedoic acid as an alternative to statins,” the doctor added.
“Given the overwhelming evidence of vascular benefits,” statins remain the primary choice for most patients, he added.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
