A Look At Non-Statin Lipid-Lowering Pharmacological Therapy

The spread of cardiovascular disease is epidemic, driven by lipid profile abnormalities. High levels of atherogenic lipoproteins are a risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral arterial complications. These diseases are leading causes of disability, premature death, and healthcare costs worldwide. Statins are the “gold standard” for controlling cholesterol levels and reducing the risks associated with atherosclerosis; however, patients often fail to adhere to therapy and may discontinue medications due to statin-associated muscle symptoms or fear of other adverse drug effects. In the search for optimal lipid-lowering therapy, many pharmacological solutions other than statin drugs have been proposed, ranging from the use of trivial nutraceuticals to high-tech vaccines against PCSK9. This article analyzes the past trends, current status, and future development vectors of non-statin lipid-lowering therapy.