Obicetrapib plus ezetimibe as an adjunct to high-intensity statin therapy: A randomized phase 2 trial

J Clin Lipidol. 2023 Jul-Aug;17(4):491-503. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2023.05.098. Epub 2023 Jun 3.

Abstract

Background: Obicetrapib, a selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), lipoprotein particles, and apolipoproteins, when added to high-intensity statin in patients with dyslipidemia.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and lipid-altering efficacy of obicetrapib plus ezetimibe combination therapy as an adjunct to high-intensity statin therapy.

Methods: This double-blind, randomized, phase 2 trial administered 10 mg obicetrapib plus 10 mg ezetimibe (n = 40), 10 mg obicetrapib (n = 39), or placebo (n = 40) for 12 weeks to patients with LDL-C >70 mg/dL and triglycerides (TG) <400 mg/dL, on stable high-intensity statin. Endpoints included concentrations of lipids, apolipoproteins, lipoprotein particles, and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9), safety, and tolerability.

Results: Ninety-seven patients were included in the primary analysis (mean age 62.6 years, 63.9% male, 84.5% white, average body mass index of 30.9 kg/m2). LDL-C decreased from baseline to week 12 by 63.4%, 43.5%, and 6.35% in combination, monotherapy, and placebo groups, respectively (p<0.0001 vs. placebo). LDL-C levels of <100, <70, and <55 mg/dL were achieved by 100%, 93.5%, and 87.1%, respectively, of patients taking the combination. Both active treatments also significantly reduced concentrations of non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and total and small LDL particles. Obicetrapib was well tolerated and no safety issues were identified.

Conclusion: The combination of obicetrapib plus ezetimibe significantly lowered atherogenic lipid and lipoprotein parameters, and was safe and well tolerated when administered on top of high-intensity statin to patients with elevated LDL-C.

Keywords: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein; Dyslipidemia; Ezetimibe; High-intensity statin; Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Obicetrapib.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Anticholesteremic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Apolipoproteins
  • Cholesterol
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Ezetimibe / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Ezetimibe
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • PCSK9 protein, human
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Cholesterol
  • Apolipoproteins