Bempedoic Acid: A Contemporary Review of Its Pharmacology, Efficacy, and Safety Profile, Including Recent Data from the CLEAR Outcomes Clinical Trial

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2023 Sep;25(9):969-978. doi: 10.1007/s11886-023-01911-9. Epub 2023 Jul 5.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide an updated review of bempedoic acid's clinical application in lowering LDL-C in the setting of statin intolerance and the recent findings in the CLEAR Outcomes trial as well as summarize and synthesize the current state of knowledge regarding bempedoic acid while providing an in-depth analysis of the drug's pharmacological properties, mechanism of action, clinical trials, safety, and efficacy.

Recent findings: The CLEAR Outcomes trial has provided evidence to support bempedoic acid as a viable alternative to statins for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Bempedoic acid is a promising treatment option for patients with hypercholesterolemia who are unable to tolerate statin therapy or require additional LDL-C reduction in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, with the newest lipid-lowering cardiovascular outcomes trials expanding on their generalizability particularly in the inclusion of women.

Keywords: Bempedoic acid; CLEAR Outcomes; LDL cholesterol; Statin intolerance; Women’s inclusion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Dicarboxylic Acids / adverse effects
  • Fatty Acids / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Hypercholesterolemia* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • 8-hydroxy-2,2,14,14-tetramethylpentadecanedioic acid
  • Dicarboxylic Acids
  • Fatty Acids