An international study led by Monash University has shown that a new cholesterol-lowering drug could provide a more effective and convenient option for people at high risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The study, called the BROADWAY trial, tested a once-daily pill, Obicetrapib, and found that it significantly reduced both LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], two key contributors to cardiovascular disease.
The phase 3 trial results were presented by Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of Monash University’s Victorian Heart Institute and Monash Health’s Victorian Heart Hospital, at the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress in Glasgow. The findings were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Professor Nicholls explained that the results mark a significant step forward for patients who have struggled to control their cholesterol with existing treatments.
“We know that many individuals at high risk of heart attack or stroke fail to reach their cholesterol goals, even with the best available treatments,” said Professor Nicholls. “Obicetrapib offers a promising new option – it not only reduced LDL cholesterol by over 30%, but also lowered Lp(a), which is much harder to treat and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.”
LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” builds up in blood vessels, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Lp(a), a lesser-known but inherited risk factor, also contributes to artery damage. Unlike LDL, however, there are currently no widely approved treatments for lowering Lp(a).
In the BROADWAY trial, more than 2,500 participants with existing heart disease or genetic high cholesterol were given either Obicetrapib or a placebo, in addition to their usual cholesterol medications. After 12 weeks, those taking Obicetrapib saw a 32.6% reduction in LDL cholesterol and a 33.5% drop in Lp(a) on average. Many participants achieved recommended cholesterol targets for the first time.
Obicetrapib was also well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to previous trials.
“This could be a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease,” Professor Nicholls said. “It’s convenient, effective, and may offer new hope for patients who have exhausted other options.”
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