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Evacetrapib

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Abstract

Considerable attention focuses on the ability to develop therapeutic agents that elevate levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors have been developed on the basis of their ability to raise HDL-C to a greater extent than lipid-modifying therapies currently used in clinical practice. Initial enthusiasm for CETP inhibition decreased as a result of adverse clinical outcomes observed with the agent torcetrapib. Elucidating off-target toxicities of torcetrapib has provided hope that other CETP inhibitors may still be of potential benefit. Evacetrapib is a novel CETP inhibitor, with favorable effects on plasma lipids and no adverse effects on blood pressure or mineralocorticoid activity in early clinical evaluation. The potential effects on cardiovascular outcomes remain to be determined.

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Abbreviations

AIM-HIGH:

Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with Low HDL/High Triglycerides and Impact on Global Health Outcomes

ILLUMINATE:

Investigation of Lipid Level Management to Understand Its Impact in Atherosclerotic Events

ILLUSTRATE:

Investigation of Lipid Level Management Using Coronary Ultrasound to Assess Reduction of Atherosclerosis by CETP Inhibition and HDL Elevation

RADIANCE:

Rating Atherosclerotic Disease Change by Imaging with a New CETP Inhibitor

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Disclosure

Conflicts of interest: S.J. Nicholls: has received grant support from Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Resverlogix, Novartis, Anthera, and LipoScience; and has received honoraria from AstraZeneca, Merck, Sanofi-Aventis, Takeda, Roche, CSL Behring, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

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  1. Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cell Biology and the Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research, Cleveland Clinic, Mail Code JJ-65, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Stephen J. Nicholls

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Correspondence to Stephen J. Nicholls.

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Nicholls, S.J. Evacetrapib. Curr Cardiol Rep 14, 245–250 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-012-0252-3

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