anacetrapib as a potential cardioprotective strategy

Belinda A Di Bartolo, Stephen J Nicholls South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia Abstract: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) facilitates movement of esterified cholesterol between high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. By virtue of their ability to raise HDL cholesterol and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, pharmacological inhibitors of CETP have received considerable attention as potential new agents in cardiovascular prevention. While early studies of CETP inhibitors have demonstrated a lack of clinical efficacy and potential toxicity, development of the potent CETP inhibitor, anacetrapib, has moved forward, with emerging evidence suggesting a role in reducing cardiovascular events. The experience with anacetrapib and its potential for use in clinical practice are reviewed here. Keywords: anacetrapib, CETP, lipids, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease