Lepodisiran Shows Promise in Phase 2 ALPACA Study

Eli Lilly's experimental drug, lepodisiran, has shown promising results in reducing lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels, a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease, by up to 94% in a Phase 2 trial named the ALPACA study. The study involved over 300 participants and demonstrated significant reductions in Lp(a) levels with effects lasting up to a year, following a single or double 400 mg dose. Lepodisiran operates as an siRNA therapy, inhibiting the liver’s production of apolipoprotein(a), and represents a potential breakthrough, as no current treatments exist for high Lp(a) levels. While the reduction in Lp(a) is significant, further large-scale trials are needed to confirm if this translates into a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes. Eli Lilly plans to conduct a large Phase 3 trial concluding in 2029, while similar trials by other companies aim for earlier results. The trial's data was presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, garnering positive reactions from cardiologists for its potential impact on cardiovascular health.