New HDL-Raising Medication Stopped in It's Track

Physicians and patients had been anticipating the outcome of the investigation trials for torcetrapib, an experimental medication which increases HDL (high density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol levels. However, this week the trials were stopped by Pfizer due to a higher death rate in the subjects who took this medication as opposed to those who did not.

Torcetrapib had gained much attention recently because there are no therapies which substantially raise HDL levels. Unlike the other cholesterols, HDL, helps protect against heart disease. A low level of HDL, less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women, is considered to be a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Most of the cholesterol lowering medications that are available currently do not effect the HDL significantly--they mostly lower the bad cholesterol or LDL (low density lipoprotein) levels. The therapeutic options for raising HDL are limited and mainly consist of regular exercise and niacin which often is not tolerated due to its side effect of a severe flushing sensation after taking the pill.

Normally, I would consider an experimental drug to be too esoteric for a blog, but I have had several knowledgeable patients who have asked me about its availability. For now, it's back to the drawing board. Torcetrapib has been terminated.

References: please see specific links.