Low-Density Lipoprotein Lowering in 2013 by Nonstatin Agents: The Discovery and Development of Promising Novel Targeted Therapies

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has significantly reduced the risk of death and other major cardiovascular events, and statins remain the therapy of choice. However, as some patients are limited by the side effects of statins, cannot achieve their target LDL on statin therapy, or have other abnormalities in their lipid profile, alternative agents are being developed. In this review, we highlight the major classes of novel nonstatin LDL-lowering agents that are currently in various stages of development. Although many hold great promise, the results of large Phase III trials will be needed to definitely establish the efficacy, safety, and clinical utility of these agents in the general population.