Effect of APOC3 Inhibition with Olezarsen on Coronary Atherosclerosis
Essence–TIMI 73b Imaging Study
This CCTA sub-study of Essence-TIMI 73b showed that olezarsen — an APOC3 antisense oligonucleotide — lowered triglycerides by ~60% and remnant cholesterol by ~70%, with neutral LDL-C and ~15% apoB reduction. Over 12 months in patients with moderate hypertriglyceridemia and non-calcified coronary plaque, olezarsen produced a placebo-adjusted reduction in non-calcified plaque volume. It provides some of the first imaging evidence that triglyceride-directed therapy favorably modifies coronary atherosclerosis.
Summary
Background: Whether lowering triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and remnant cholesterol favorably modifies coronary atherosclerosis is unclear. Olezarsen, an antisense oligonucleotide that targets apolipoprotein C-III, reduces triglycerides by ~60% and remnant cholesterol by ~70%, has a neutral effect on LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and reduces apolipoprotein B (apoB) by ~15% in moderate hypertriglyceridemia. We investigated the effect of olezarsen on coronary plaque in adults with largely moderate hypertriglyceridemia.Methods: We conducted a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) study within Essence-TIMI 73b, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of olezarsen vs. placebo that enrolled patients between November 2022 and February 2024. Inclusion criteria were triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL (2.26 mmol/L), presence or high risk for cardiovascular disease, and non-calcified plaque on baseline CCTA. The primary endpoint was percent change from baseline to 12 months in non-calcified plaque volu
Join us
Join the Global Primary Care Cardio Network. Membership is free.
Would you like to tell us more about yourself?
Interests
We will send you an email with a link to confirm your registration.