Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of mortality, with projections indicating a steep rise in prevalence and deaths by 2050. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a central driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and lowering LDL-C consistently reduces major adverse cardiovascular events without an apparent threshold. Recent guidelines underscore both early and durable LDL-C reduction through sequential and combination therapies. Bempedoic acid, an oral first-in-class adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase inhibitor, offers hepatoselective LDL-C lowering with reduced risk of myotoxicity. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate LDL-C reductions of 15–20% with monotherapy and up to 40% with ezetimibe combination, alongside cardiovascular event reduction in statin-intolerant patients. Regulatory approvals in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom converge on its role in patients unable to tolerate statins or inadequately controlled on standard therapy. This review synthesizes current evidence and guideline positioning, situating bempedoic acid within contemporary lipid management strategies that emphasize earlier combination therapy, achievement of lower LDL-C thresholds, and long-term maintenance of treatment goals.
Abdullah et al. (Mon,) studied this question.