Tyrolean scientist Florian Kronenberg believes that drugs will soon be established to lower lipoprotein (a) levels, which are not yet affected. It plays a role in increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Cronenberg said in an APA interview that the “first solid results” will be by the end of 2025, and limited approval of these drugs could be by the end of 2026.
“Such drugs will revolutionize the field of medicine,” explained the scientist. Such a “revolution” is particularly beneficial and desirable from a clinical point of view, since one fifth of the population has a high Lp(a) value. This protein can be measured in the blood and is directly linked to the risk of heart attack and stroke. “Since this value is genetically determined, it cannot be reduced by exercise, diet or any other means,” emphasized Kronenberg, who works at the Medical University of Innsbruck.
In the future, new injectable drugs may, for example, target liver cells in a novel way, directly interfering with the “Lp(a) production machinery.” With this method, this production is “reduced by up to 95 percent” thereby reducing the Lpa(a) level permanently and permanently. You have to imagine it like this: “The blueprint is there, but we can’t read it to a certain extent with drugs.”
Until these drugs are actually introduced, Cronenberg expects initially in patients who have already suffered a heart attack or stroke, it will be necessary to first determine the patient’s Lb(a) value. “It’s not enough, it’s not typical.” However, determination is important because a high Lb(a) value can be used to address other risk factors that are currently vulnerable, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
The real problem is the interaction of multiple risk factors. In addition, the determination of Lp(a) value, which needs to be carried out only once, helps to accurately assess and predict the overall risk of cardiovascular diseases. This has one major advantage: “Treatment can be approached differently and proceed in a more targeted manner.” In the context of “personalized medicine,” which is now often discussed and planned, Kronenberg said, it will be an even more important building block.
