Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein Inhibition by TA-8995

Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors limit the transfer of cholesterol from high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) or low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This inhibition results in higher HDL and lower VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels. Prior clinical trials of CETP inhibitors have focused on HDL increase and have shown impressive elevations but have failed to show a benefit in clinical outcome (e.g., N Engl J Med 2012; 367:2089). In this manufacturer-sponsored, multicenter, phase 2 trial, investigators assessed the effects of 12-week treatment with a novel CETP inhibitor (TA-8995), either alone or in combination with a statin, in 364 patients with mild dyslipidemia (fasting LDL cholesterol level, …