Abstract
Cardiovascular disease mortality rates have begun to rise in the United States. Based on the large body of supportive evidence, we propose a proof-of-concept, first-in-human trial to cure atherosclerosis: CURing Early ATHEROsclerosis (CURE ATHERO). This trial is based on a model of intensive induction therapy for extensive, if not complete, plaque regression, followed by intermittent maintenance therapy. An extensive body of evidence has demonstrated the causal role of apolipoprotein B lipoproteins in atherosclerosis progression and data suggest intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering may have a substantial impact on earlier stages of atherosclerosis. Compared with lifetime treatment to prevent atherosclerosis progression, this induction-intermittent treatment model will minimize costs and maximize adherence and safety.
MeSH terms
-
Anticholesteremic Agents / administration & dosage*
-
Anticholesteremic Agents / adverse effects
-
Apolipoprotein B-100 / blood
-
Atherosclerosis / blood
-
Atherosclerosis / diagnosis
-
Atherosclerosis / drug therapy*
-
Atherosclerosis / epidemiology
-
Biomarkers / blood
-
Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
-
Drug Administration Schedule
-
Drug Therapy, Combination
-
Dyslipidemias / blood
-
Dyslipidemias / diagnosis
-
Dyslipidemias / drug therapy*
-
Dyslipidemias / epidemiology
-
Humans
-
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
-
PCSK9 Inhibitors
-
Plaque, Atherosclerotic
-
Proprotein Convertase 9 / metabolism
-
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
-
Research Design
-
Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
-
Time Factors
-
Treatment Outcome
Substances
-
APOB protein, human
-
Anticholesteremic Agents
-
Apolipoprotein B-100
-
Biomarkers
-
Cholesterol, LDL
-
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
-
PCSK9 Inhibitors
-
Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
-
PCSK9 protein, human
-
Proprotein Convertase 9