Bempedoic acid (monotherapy) and bempedoic acid/ezetimibe (fixed-dose combination) for primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia

Cholesterol is a type of lipid which are fatty substances vital for the normal functioning of the body. Abnormal levels of lipids in the blood characterises dyslipidaemia. High levels of cholesterol in the blood (hypercholesterolemia) may be caused by genetic defects as seen in familial (or primary) hypercholesterolaemia, or may occur when genes and other factors such as lifestyle habits interact, as seen in non-familial hypercholesterolaemia. Most people with hypercholesterolaemia have mildly or moderately increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (often considered the “bad” cholesterol that may cause blockages of blood vessels). Elevated levels of LDL-C increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for many deaths and disabilities.
Bempedoic acid and bempedoic acid combined with ezetimibe are once-daily tablets in development to treat primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia in high risk and very high risk patients. These are patients who cannot reach the target LDL-C goals despite being treated with the maximum tolerated doses of other LDL-C lowering treatment such as statins. Bempedoic acid and ezetimibe both act in different but complementary ways to lower LDL-C. These therapies may offer additional and effective treatment options to use in combination with dietary changes and other lipid-modifying therapies to treat primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia.