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Need a Statin Rx but Cannot Take One? New Data for Nexlotol as a 2nd Choice

Article courtesy of Dr. Joel Kahn, MD, who is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, one of the world's top cardiologists, a best-selling author, lecturer, and a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and holistic care.

Cholesterol-lowering (LDL-C) through lifestyle, supplements, and prescription medications is necessary for many patients with proven atherosclerosis like a prior heart attack or a high coronary calcium score on CT imaging. Many patients cannot tolerate a statin prescription due to aching, liver enzyme rises, brain fog and other issues.

A new study gives hope that there are effective alternatives. Bempedoic acid, an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor, known by the brand name Nexlotol, was released a few years ago and reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

While it is associated with a low incidence of muscle-related adverse events its effects on cardiovascular outcomes remain uncertain.

A large study was just published establishing its benefit on outcomes. 

STUDY METHODS

The researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving patients who were unable or unwilling to take statins owing to unacceptable adverse effects (“statin-intolerant” patients) and had or were at high risk for, cardiovascular disease. The patients were assigned to receive oral bempedoic acid (Nexlotol), 180 mg daily, or a placebo. The primary endpoint was a four-component composite of major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization.

STUDY RESULTS

A total of 13,970 patients underwent randomization; 6992 were assigned to the bempedoic acid group and 6978 to the placebo group. The duration of follow-up was 40.6 months.

The mean LDL cholesterol level at baseline was 139.0 mg per deciliter in both groups and after 6 months, the reduction in the level was greater with bempedoic acid than with placebo by 29.2 mg per deciliter; the observed difference in the percent reductions was 21.1 percentage points in favor of bempedoic acid.

The incidence of a primary end-point event was significantly lower with bempedoic acid than with placebo (819 patients [11.7%] vs. 927 [13.3%].

The incidences of a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal stroke, or nonfatal myocardial infarction (575 [8.2%] vs. 663 [9.5%]; fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (261 [3.7%] vs. 334 [4.8%], and coronary revascularization (435 [6.2%] vs. 529 [7.6%] all favored the bempedoic acid treatment.

Bempedoic acid had no significant effects on fatal or nonfatal stroke, death from cardiovascular causes, and death from any cause. The incidences of gout and cholelithiasis were higher with bempedoic acid than with placebo (3.1% vs. 2.1% and 2.2% vs. 1.2%, respectively), as were the incidences of small increases in serum creatinine, uric acid, and hepatic-enzyme levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Among statin-intolerant patients, and in those that refuse statins, treatment with bempedoic acid (Nexletol) was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization). 

At the Kahn Center, we have used Nexlotol, and the combination with ezetimibe called Nexlizet, often, but have trouble getting insurance authorization at a price patients can afford as it is a name-brand medication. Some patients are paying several hundreds of dollars a month. 

About the author: At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that he truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols. 

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Content may be edited for style and length.

References/Sources/Materials provided by:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kahn-md-757a59225/

https://www.drjoelkahn.com/

https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/

https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/blog/need-a-statin-rx-but-cannot-take-one-new-data-for-nexlotol-as-a-2nd-choice

https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2215024

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