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Faluk M, Wardhere A, Mohamoud A, Nor M, Bampastsias D, Oikonomou E, Almubaid Z, Al-Hemyari B. Evolution of LDL-C lowering medications and their cardiovascular benefits: Past, present, and future. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102637. [PMID: 38735347 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hyperlipidemia, particularly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the major risk factors for CVD. Major landmark cardiovascular outcome clinical trials demonstrated that LDL-C lowering medications reduce cardiovascular events, and the lower the LDL-C the better the outcome. This article discusses the evolution of LDL-C lowering medications starting from bile acid sequestrants (BAS), statin therapy, bempedoic acid, the proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) synthesis inhibitor, novel small interfering RNA-based therapy (inclisiran) to the most recent oral PCSK9 inhibitors (MK-0616) which is currently under phase 3 clinical trial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Faluk
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Abdirahman Wardhere
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abdilahi Mohamoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mohammed Nor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Dimitrios Bampastsias
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ermioni Oikonomou
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodostrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Zaid Almubaid
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bashar Al-Hemyari
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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2
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Reddy S, Deoker A. Effects of bempedoic acid on markers of inflammation and Lp(a). Curr Opin Cardiol 2024:00001573-990000000-00137. [PMID: 38456474 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To study the effect of bempedoic acid on markers of inflammation and lipoprotein (a) to help determine if the drug would be useful to treat patients with elevated cardiovascular risks and residual cardiovascular risk despite optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. RECENT FINDINGS Bempedoic acid is found to cause significant reduction in LDL-C and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in various randomized clinical trials. Multiple meta-analyses have also found that bempedoic acid therapy leads to reduction in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels. However, it has minimal effect on lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) level. SUMMARY Bempedoic acid is a new lipid-lowering agent that inhibits enzyme ATP-citrate lyase in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Major risk of cardiovascular events and its associated morbidity and mortality are proportional to LDL-C and inflammatory markers levels. It was found that bempedoic acid significantly lowers LDL-C, hs-CRP and other inflammatory markers levels. This drug could potentially be used in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, in patients with residual cardiovascular risk despite attaining LDL-C goal and in statin intolerant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhila Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
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3
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Mehta A. Managing dyslipidaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Indian Heart J 2024; 76 Suppl 1:S90-S92. [PMID: 38278323 PMCID: PMC11019316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with CKD are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Clinical studies suggest statins reduce all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with CKD. Lipid lowering therapy with statin with or without ezetemibe is recommended for most of the patients in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min and also in those who have an increased urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (≥3 mg/mmol) for at least 3 months. Evidence suggests that it should not be started for hemodialysis patients without evidence of ASCVD. Patients who were already taking statins or statin/ezetimibe combination at the time of dialysis should consider continuing these medications, especially if they have ASCVD. Fibrates should not be used in conjunction with statins in patients with CKD, and ezetimibe monotherapy is also not recommended. The role of PCSK9 inhibitors is evolving suggests that it is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol without affecting the renal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Mehta
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, 110060, India.
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Mormone A, Tortorella G, Esposito F, Caturano A, Marrone A, Cozzolino D, Galiero R, Marfella R, Sasso FC, Rinaldi L. Advances in Pharmacological Approaches for Managing Hypercholesterolemia: A Comprehensive Overview of Novel Treatments. Biomedicines 2024; 12:432. [PMID: 38398034 PMCID: PMC10887105 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia plays a crucial role in the formation of lipid plaques, particularly with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels, which are linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Controlling blood cholesterol values, specifically reducing LDL-C, is widely recognized as a key modifiable risk factor for decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. Historically, statins, by inhibiting the enzyme β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG)-CoA reductase, have been among the most effective drugs. However, newer non-statin agents have since been introduced into hypercholesterolemia therapy, providing a viable alternative with a favorable cost-benefit ratio. This paper aims to delve into the latest therapies, shedding light on their mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mormone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Giovanni Tortorella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Alfredo Caturano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Marrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Domenico Cozzolino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Raffaele Galiero
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (G.T.); (F.E.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (R.G.); (R.M.); (F.C.S.)
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
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Ferri N, Ruscica M, Fazio S, Corsini A. Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:943. [PMID: 38398257 PMCID: PMC10889346 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13040943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The modern history of cholesterol-lowering drugs started in 1972 when Dr. Akira Endo identified an active compound (compactin) that inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis from the culture broth of blue-green mold (Penicillium citrinum Pen-51). Since 1987, statins have represented the milestone for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A new therapy for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia since the discovery of statins is ezetimibe, the first and only agent inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption. Ezetimibe was approved by the FDA in October 2002. A year later, the association between gain-of-function PCSK9 genetic mutations and hypercholesterolemia was reported, and this discovery opened a new era in lipid-lowering therapies. Monoclonal antibodies and small-interfering RNA approaches to reduce PCSK9 were developed and approved for clinical use in 2015 and 2022, respectively. Finally, the newly approved bempedoic acid, an oral adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase inhibitor that lowers LDL-C, is able to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention. In the present narrative review, we summarize the pharmacological properties and the clinical efficacy of all these agents currently used for a tailored therapy of hypercholesterolemia in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ferri
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Fazio
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA;
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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6
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Paponja K, Pećin I, Reiner Ž, Banach M. Bempedoic acid: new evidence and recommendations on use. Curr Opin Lipidol 2024; 35:41-50. [PMID: 38085172 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSES OF REVIEW Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recognizing the importance of dyslipidemia treatment in the prevention of cardiovascular events has become a part of standard clinical practice. Desired values of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) have become lower and lower in the last few decades, as evidenced by the most recent guidelines. Therefore, efforts to lower LDL cholesterol concentrations with conventional therapies and combinations of lipid-lowering therapy may not be successful in a high proportion of patients. RECENT FINDINGS Bempedoic acid is a novel agent, first in-class ATP Citrate Lyase (ACL) inhibitor, which targets biosynthesis of the cholesterol in the liver. Considering the results of phase 3 studies, it has been approved for sole use for dyslipidemia treatment for patients who are statin-intolerant or in combination with statin-ezetimibe for those suffering from familial hypercholesterolemia or ASCVD and unable to reach targeted LDL-C values. SUMMARY Bempedoic acid has proven beneficial for further reduction of LDL cholesterol for targeted groups of patients. It is not only efficient but also a well tolerated, affordable, and available agent whose place in lipid-lowering management is yet to be fully understood with new data collected from ongoing clinical research. In this review we suggest the place of bempedoic acid in lipid-lowering management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Paponja
- University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolic Diseases
| | - Ivan Pećin
- University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolic Diseases
- Zagreb School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željko Reiner
- University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolic Diseases
- Department of Cardiology and Congenital Diseases of Adults, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Cardiology and Congenital Diseases of Adults, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), Lodz, Poland
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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7
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Jadhav SB, Amore BM, Bockbrader H, Crass RL, Chapel S, Sasiela WJ, Emery MG. Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of bempedoic acid and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in healthy subjects and patients with dyslipidemia. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2023; 50:351-364. [PMID: 37243877 PMCID: PMC10460718 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-023-09864-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Population pharmacokinetics (popPK) of bempedoic acid and the popPK/pharmacodynamic (popPK/PD) relationship between bempedoic acid concentrations and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline were characterized. A two-compartment disposition model with a transit absorption compartment and linear elimination best described bempedoic acid oral pharmacokinetics (PK). Multiple covariates, including renal function, sex, and weight, had statistically significant effects on the predicted steady-state area under the curve. Mild (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 to < 90 mL/min vs. ≥ 90 mL/min) and moderate (eGFR 30 to < 60 mL/min vs. ≥ 90 mL/min) renal impairment, female sex, low (< 70 kg vs. 70-100 kg) and high (> 100 kg vs. 70-100 kg) body weight were predicted to have a 1.36-fold (90% confidence interval (CI) 1.32, 1.41), 1.85-fold (90% CI 1.74, 2.00), 1.39-fold (90% CI 1.34, 1.47), 1.35-fold (90% CI 1.30, 1.41), and 0.75-fold (90% CI 0.72, 0.79) exposure difference relative to their reference populations, respectively. An indirect response model described changes in serum LDL-C with a model-predicted 35% maximal reduction and bempedoic acid IC50 of 3.17 µg/mL. A 28% reduction from LDL-C baseline was predicted for a steady-state average concentration of 12.5 µg/mL after bempedoic acid (180 mg/day) dosing, accounting for approximately 80% of the predicted maximal LDL-C reduction. Concurrent statin therapy, regardless of intensity, reduced the maximal effect of bempedoic acid but resulted in similar steady-state LDL-C levels. While multiple covariates had statistically significant effects on PK and LDL-C lowering, none were predicted to warrant bempedoic acid dose adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyawan B Jadhav
- Ann Arbor Pharmacometrics Group, 900 Victors Way #328, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Benny M Amore
- Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA.
| | - Howard Bockbrader
- Ann Arbor Pharmacometrics Group, 900 Victors Way #328, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Ryan L Crass
- Ann Arbor Pharmacometrics Group, 900 Victors Way #328, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Sunny Chapel
- Ann Arbor Pharmacometrics Group, 900 Victors Way #328, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - William J Sasiela
- Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
| | - Maurice G Emery
- Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., 3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA
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8
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Amore BM, MacDougall DE, Hanselman JC, Emery MG. Phase 1, Single- and Multiple-Ascending-Dose, Food-Effect, and East Asian Subject Studies to Assess the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Bempedoic Acid, a Selective Inhibitor of Adenosine Triphosphate Citrate Lyase. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2023; 12:1022-1035. [PMID: 37477389 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Bempedoic acid is an adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase inhibitor that lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and upregulating hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor expression. After oral dosing, bempedoic acid was readily absorbed, attaining maximum concentrations with a median time of 3.5 hours, and may be taken without regard to food. Steady-state oral pharmacokinetics in healthy adults receiving bempedoic acid at the approved 180 mg/day dose were characterized by mean maximum concentration of 20.6 µg/mL, area under the concentration-time curve over 24 hours of 289 µg·h/mL, and elimination half-life of 21.1 hours. Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics were linear at bempedoic acid doses of 120-220 mg/day. Circulating concentrations of the active metabolite ESP15228 were 18.0% of bempedoic acid concentrations on average. Comparisons of bempedoic acid 180 mg/day pharmacokinetics after single and multiple dosing revealed no clinically meaningful differences between Japanese, Chinese, and Western subjects. Mean estimates of bempedoic acid elimination half-life in Japanese (25.2 hours) and Chinese (20.0 hours) subjects were comparable to Western subjects (23.9 hours) following 14 days of once-daily dosing. Bempedoic acid was generally safe and well tolerated up to a dose of 220 mg/day across the study populations described herein.
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9
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Boinpally R, Weissman D. Single-dose Pharmacokinetics of Eluxadoline in Healthy Participants With Normal Renal Function and Participants With Renal Impairment. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2023; 12:132-140. [PMID: 36504331 PMCID: PMC10108264 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Eluxadoline is approved for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in the United States. The impact of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of eluxadoline is currently unknown. This phase 1, open-label, parallel-group study evaluated the PK and safety profile of eluxadoline in 8 participants with renal impairment and 8 matched healthy controls. Of the participants with renal impairment, 2 had severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) and 6 had end-stage renal disease while not yet on dialysis (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 ). The primary objective was to assess plasma and urine PKs, and plasma protein binding of eluxadoline. In participants with renal impairment, mean plasma concentrations of eluxadoline were consistently higher compared with matched healthy controls: 1.4-fold higher for mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) and 2.2-fold higher for mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to time t. The median time to Cmax was 2.5 hours in both groups. Although eluxadoline is a locally acting drug with low oral bioavailability, because of the increased systemic exposure in participants with renal impairment as a cautionary measure the lower approved dose of 75 mg twice daily is recommended for individuals with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease while not yet on dialysis. Eluxadoline 100 mg single dose was well tolerated in participants with renal impairment and matched healthy controls.
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10
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Bakaj I, Pocai A. Metabolism-based approaches for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1126055. [PMID: 36876046 PMCID: PMC9980902 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1126055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) leads to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) through the development and expansion of multiple cysts throughout the kidney parenchyma. An increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays an important role in generating and maintaining fluid-filled cysts because cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA) and stimulates epithelial chloride secretion through the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). A vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, Tolvaptan, was recently approved for the treatment of ADPKD patients at high risk of progression. However additional treatments are urgently needed due to the poor tolerability, the unfavorable safety profile, and the high cost of Tolvaptan. In ADPKD kidneys, alterations of multiple metabolic pathways termed metabolic reprogramming has been consistently reported to support the growth of rapidly proliferating cystic cells. Published data suggest that upregulated mTOR and c-Myc repress oxidative metabolism while enhancing glycolytic flux and lactic acid production. mTOR and c-Myc are activated by PKA/MEK/ERK signaling so it is possible that cAMPK/PKA signaling will be upstream regulators of metabolic reprogramming. Novel therapeutics opportunities targeting metabolic reprogramming may avoid or minimize the side effects that are dose limiting in the clinic and improve on the efficacy observed in human ADPKD with Tolvaptan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Bakaj
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Alessandro Pocai
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, United States
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11
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Biolo G, Vinci P, Mangogna A, Landolfo M, Schincariol P, Fiotti N, Mearelli F, Di Girolamo FG. Mechanism of action and therapeutic use of bempedoic acid in atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1028355. [PMID: 36386319 PMCID: PMC9650075 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1028355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bempedoic acid is a new cholesterol-lowering drug, which has recently received US FDA and EMA approval. This drug targets lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammation via downregulation of ATP-citrate lyase and upregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The primary effect is the reduction of cholesterol synthesis in the liver and its administration is generally not associated to unwanted muscle effects. Suppression of hepatic fatty acid synthesis leads to decreased triglycerides and, possibly, improved non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Bempedoic acid may decrease gluconeogenesis leading to improved insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and metabolic syndrome. The anti-inflammatory action of bempedoic acid is mainly achieved via activation of AMPK pathway in the immune cells, leading to decreased plasma levels of C-reactive protein. Effects of bempedoic acid on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease have been assessed in randomized clinical trials but require further confirmation. Safety clinical trials in phase III indicate that bempedoic acid administration is generally well-tolerated in combination with statins, ezetimibe, or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets. The aim of this narrative review on bempedoic acid is to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and potential clinical targets, present existing evidence from clinical trials, and describe practical management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Biolo
- Medical Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pierandrea Vinci
- Medical Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health – IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Landolfo
- Medical Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Schincariol
- Hospital Pharmacy, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Fiotti
- Medical Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Mearelli
- Medical Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Giorgio Di Girolamo
- Medical Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Hospital Pharmacy, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
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12
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Ruscica M, Sirtori CR, Carugo S, Banach M, Corsini A. Bempedoic Acid: for Whom and When. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:791-801. [PMID: 35900636 PMCID: PMC9474414 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-01054-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of creating an orally active non-statin cholesterol-lowering drug was achieved with bempedoic acid, a small linear molecule providing both a significant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction and an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Bempedoic acid antagonizes ATP citrate-lyase, a cytosolic enzyme upstream of HMGCoA reductase which is the rate-limiting step of cholesterol biosynthesis. Bempedoic acid is a pro-drug converted to its active metabolite by very-long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 which is present mostly in the liver and absent in skeletal muscles. This limits the risk of myalgia and myopathy. The remit of this review is to give clinical insights on the safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid and to understand for whom it should be prescribed. RECENT FINDINGS Bempedoic acid with a single daily dose (180 mg) reduces LDL-C by a mean 24.5% when given alone, by 18% when given on top of a major statin and by 38-40% when given in a fixed-dose combination with ezetimibe. Bempedoic acid does not lead to the risk of new-onset diabetes, and moderately improves the glycaemic profile. The extensive knowledge on bempedoic acid mechanism, metabolism and side effects has led to an improved understanding of the potential benefits of this agent and offers a possible alternative to cardiologists and clinical practitioners somewhat worn out today by the occurrence of the muscular side effects of statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-338, Lodz, Poland.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, 65-046, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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