London - A new cholesterol-lowering drug that could be used as an alternative to statins is being tested by scientists.
It works by blocking a protein that keeps harmful LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
This is different from statins, which are thought to work by reducing the amount of bad cholesterol produced in the liver in the first place.
Around 400 people with high cholesterol are taking part in a trial at five centres across the US, where the new drug, RN316, will be compared with atorvastatin.
Previous research, presented at the American College of Cardiology in Washington, suggests the new drug can significantly reduce bad cholesterol.
The new trial hopes to show it is more effective for people unable to tolerate statins’ side-effects, such as muscle pain. - Daily Mail