Dr Luca Lotta, MRC Epidemiology Unit, has led research that has identified the possibility of pairing new drugs with statins to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The study, published in published in Jama Cardiology, examines new drugs that lower levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in blood and concludes that they could further reduce the risk of heart attack when added to statins. They could also reduce blood glucose levels and the risk of diabetes.
 
The research suggests these new drugs – lipoprotein lipase enhancers – could be paired with statins, the current gold standard for high cholesterol treatment, or other cholesterol lowering agents. Their findings, which stem from a type of genetic study which aims to simulate a clinical trial, hold promise for clinicians and pharmaceutical companies that are considering testing the efficacy of these novel drugs.
 
Dr Lotta said: “Our study suggests that these new triglyceride-lowering agents could give additional benefits to patients. This combination could prevent more heart attacks as well as reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. We’re using genetics to gain insight and help to predict the likely result of future trials.”