# Heart drug fails despite cutting cholesterol particle

> An experimental medicine that slashed lipoprotein(a) levels by 78% failed to prevent heart attacks and strokes in a major trial, stunning researchers.
- Title: Heart drug fails despite cutting cholesterol particle · NPR
- Summary: An experimental medicine that slashed lipoprotein(a) levels by 78% failed to prevent heart attacks and strokes in a major trial, stunning researchers.
- Keywords: pelacarsen, lipoprotein(a), heart disease, clinical trial, novartis, steven nissen, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, NPR
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/11/07/nx-s1-6026379/lpa-drug-lipoproteina-heart-attack
- Published: 2026-11-07T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pelacarsen, lipoprotein(a), heart disease, clinical trial, novartis, steven nissen, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, news
## Experimental drug fails major test
An experimental medicine that reduces lipoprotein(a), a blood particle linked to heart attacks and strokes, failed to protect volunteers in a closely watched study, researchers reported Saturday.
## The drug targeted a common problem
About twenty percent of the global population have elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, roughly a billion people.Many of these patients keep cholesterol and blood pressure low, eat well, exercise regularly, yet still suffer heart attacks and strokes.
## The drug worked on the target
Researchers gave eight thousand three hundred fifty adults with existing heart disease either a placebo or pelacarsen. The drug suppressed lipoprotein(a) levels by about seventy eight percent over five years.
## But the benefit never came
Despite the seventy eight percent drop in lipoprotein(a), the reduction did not translate into saving people from suffering cardiovascular complications after five years.

> Very disappointing, terribly disappointing
## The lead researcher's shock
Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic who led the study, said he was shocked.

> I was shocked. I had high hopes for success.
## Possible explanations for the failure
Experts suggest the drug may need longer treatment, earlier intervention before artery hardening advances, or may only help people with higher lipoprotein(a) levels.
## Other drugs still in testing
Several other drugmakers, including Amgen and Eli Lilly, are testing other experimental lipoprotein(a)-lowering drugs. Results from those trials are expected to become available over the next few years.

> The take-home message is the story's not over. It's kind of just starting.
## Key takeaway

Pelacarsen, a drug that cuts lipoprotein(a) levels, failed to prevent cardiovascular complications in a five year trial of eight thousand three hundred fifty adults with existing heart disease.