Steven Nissen, ACC 2023: CLEAR OUTCOMES trial – Bempedoic acid and cardiovascular outcomes in statin intolerant patients

CLEAR OUTCOMES trial investigated bempedoic acid and cardiovascular outcomes in statin intolerant patients with high cardiovascular risk. Prof. Steven Nissen (Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA) addresses the findings, and what the implications are for clinical practice and patient care in this touchCARDIO interview. Prof. Nissen also discusses the use of statins as the cornerstone to manage and reduce lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular risk, however, while statins are the most commonly used medication some patients experience side effects from statins, most commonly muscle-related symptoms, causing withdrawal of statin use, and therefore alternatives are required for these patients. 

The abstract entitled ‘Bempedoic Acid And Cardiovascular Outcomes In Statin Intolerant Patients At High Cardiovascular Risk‘ (Abstract number 402-06) was presented at ACC.23 Together With WCC (ACC.23/WCC) in New Orleans, 4–6 March 2023.

Dr Steven Nissen also discusses current and future options for lipid-lowering therapies

Questions:

1. What is the mechanism of action of bempedoic acid and how does it work to lower cholesterol? (0:15)
2. What were the aims, design and eligibility criteria of the CLEAR Outcomes trial? (1:16)
3. What were the primary and secondary endpoints, and how well were they achieved? (2:09)
4. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and patient care? (3:44)

Disclosures: Dr. Nissen reports that the Cleveland Clinic Center for Clinical Research has received funding to perform clinical trials from Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Esperion, Medtronic, MyoKardia, New Amsterdam Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, and Silence Therapeutics. Dr. Nissen is involved in these clinical trials but receives no personal remuneration for his participation. Dr. Nissen consults for many pharmaceutical companies, but does not accept compensation.

Support: Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media. Interview conducted by Katey Gabrysch.

Filmed as a highlight of ACC 2023

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