STAT+: New treatments for common cardiovascular risk factor near the market, with billions at stake

Unlike cholesterol, there is currently no approved therapy to lower Lp(a), a lipid-protein particle that can drive plaque formation and increase the likelihood of blood clots. High Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics, and lifestyle changes or existing medications offer little help, leaving about 1 in 5 people without an easy preventive option.

This gap represents a massive market opportunity, prompting drugmakers to advance experimental Lp(a)-lowering treatments through late-stage trials. Novartis appears to be the front-runner in this race, with the potential market valued in the billions.