The drug could also be an add-on treatment for people already takings statins.
Heres what experts want you to know about the medication and whether it could be an option for you.
The drug works by preventing cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc
Bempedoic acidis sold under the brand name Nexletol on its own and as a combination drug with ezetimibe calledNexlizet.
All of the patients had a history of or were at high risk for getting heart disease.
About 7,000 of the patients took Nexletol, and the rest took a placebo.
They also had a lower risk for certain heart health-related events, like heart attacks.
What Are the Limitations of Nexletol?
Nexletol increases uric acid in the blood, which can cause gout and gallstones.
The patients in the trial who took Nexletol had a higher incidence of gout than the placebo group.
What Is Gout?
Goutis a painful form of arthritis defined by inflammation and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints.
It commonly affects the big toe.
Why Cant Some People Take Statins?
Muscle aches are the best-known side effect of statin drugs and the most common reason people stop taking them.
In his experience, patients who perceive themselves to be statin-intolerant tolerate Nexletol pretty well.
Researchers think thats why the study participants who received bempedoic acid didnt experience muscle pain.
Can You Take Statins and Nexletol Together?
Only half of the patients with familial hypercholesteremia achieve goal LDL cholesterol with statins alone, Knowles said.
Many patients with familial hypercholesteremia start with an LDL of 250 or 300.
If youve already had a heart attack or stroke, you ideally need an LDL of 70 or lower.
Even with lifestyle modifications and maximum statin therapy, some patients still have high LDL.
For these patients, Nexletol could be an effective add-on treatment.
They might only have a 30% reduction in LDL with statins, so they need additional medication options.
Whats Next for Nexletol?
That will hopefully enhance payer coverage for the drug and increase the motivation for practitioners to prescribe it.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ezetimibe.
Harvard Medical School.Are statins enough?
When to consider PCSK9 inhibitors.
2022;16(4):361-375. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2022.05.068
