Lp(a)-Reducing Agent Pelacarsen Misses the Mark in Phase 3-Now What?

Pelacarsen failed to significantly reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in the phase 3 Lp(a)HORIZON trial involving patients with elevated lipoprotein(a).

• Why it matters: Reducing lipoprotein(a) is considered a promising strategy to lower cardiovascular risk, but its clinical benefit remains unconfirmed. This trial addresses the critical gap in evidence for Lp(a)-lowering therapies.
• What they did: The study tested pelacarsen, a lipoprotein(a)-reducing agent, in a phase 3 trial with top-line results indicating it did not meet its primary endpoint of reducing major adverse cardiovascular events.
• The result: The findings suggest pelacarsen may not provide cardiovascular protection in this patient population, prompting the need for alternative approaches or further research.