HORIZON lp(a) has read out

Despite nothing so far has showed to lower it, doctors still think a statin will. The only thing I know that has had an effect is niacin. I had a bad 'flush' so can't take it.

Thank you for sharing this! I have been following this closely as well and wondered if anyone would bring it up here. I was so hopeful that these medications would work.

I hope there will still be some positives for future research and development when they release the full outcomes in November. And who knows- maybe some of the other Lp(a) drugs will end up with better outcomes? One can always hope!

I watch Dr. Brewer on youtube. His live this morning was on the failed drug and on Lp(a). He said he would have more come out this week. There is still so much not known about what and how dangerous Lp(a) is. Right now I equate it for my heart valve damage since it is know to attack them, especially the aortic valve. That along with insulin resistance which I never knew the damage it can do to our arteries until this last year. It has had 73 years to 'burn' and damage them.

@charlotteeb yes, Niacin has shown to lower Lp(a) and also raise HDL. Except that high enough doses to do these things cause an increase in cardiovascular events and deaths.

I was part of the Niacin (Niaspan) drug study and took the stuff (3,000 mg daily) for a number of years until I was abruptly told to stop. Just like that new pill that is supposed to do the same as the Repatha injection, time will tell whether it just lowers cholesterol numbers or actually reduces cardiovascular events.

@agb I use to take no flush niacin years ago. Had one flush on me but not bad. Last spring I bought the regular niacin. First day no problem. The second day I had the 'flush' so bad - my heart was going crazy - I almost called 911. I think the flush was interacting with the SVT I had at the time. Had an ablation for the SVT but now have atrial tachycardia. They also finally found out the severe condition of my aortic and mitral valves which was probably reacting the the flush, too.

My cardiologist just ordered generic Zetia for me, ezetimibe. My cholesterol numbers are good but I have a CAC of 107 and lp(a) of 293. I already take 40 mg rosuvastatin. I hope it helps. My diagnosis is moderate CVD, and I've outlived my mother by 3 years so far.

I heard they will be presenting more detailed findings at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026 (taking place November 7–9, 2026). I was in the trial…everyone was shocked, even the regional directors. I viewed it as my lifeline, I went through some huge emotions I won’t share here, but it is truly disappointing.

Here is a link to their presentation of the results - LBS.01 https://sessions.hub.heart.org/home/article/22975212/scientificsessions26-latebreaking-science-announced

I have a Heart Cath tomorrow…following a Pet Scan that found anterior and interior ischemia. Sigh, maybe they (Novartis) were right. Well, not my first goat rodeo…5th…despite following all the best practices. For me, I just chose the wrong parents! 😉

Hugs 🤗 to all of you here. Life is a beach 🏖️! Life is Good. 😊

Best, VaniaG

@vaniag Thanks for posting this. I'm looking forward to the more detailed analysis. I think there is probably a lot of data that hasn't been presented. The study included a wide range of lp(a) levels but the target was against all lp(a) levels. I understand also that the other drugs currently in trials could realistically have different results, though it's hard for this layman to understand why.

Good luck with your heart Cath.

@vaniag, thank you for sharing your experience as a participant in the Lp(a)HORIZON trial. I can only imagine how disappointing these results must have been, particularly when you viewed the trial as a lifeline.

I have familial hypercholesterolemia, and although my experience is different from yours, your words resonated with me. Over the years, I placed hope in one treatment after another, only to be disappointed when they didn’t provide the results I’d hoped for. My journey eventually led me to LDL apheresis, which I also hoped would be the answer.

With another cardiac catheterization ahead of you tomorrow, I hope you receive some helpful answers and a clearer direction for your care.

If you’re comfortable sharing afterward, I’d be interested in hearing how you’re doing.

@tiaza, I remember you sharing in another discussion that you’ve experienced reactions to several antibiotics and have concerns about trying new medications.

I have familial hypercholesterolemia, and my own journey has taught me how important it is to understand what each treatment is intended to accomplish, along with its potential benefits and risks.

That’s one reason I find this discussion about the Lp(a)HORIZON trial so interesting. Lowering a particular cholesterol-related number doesn’t necessarily mean a treatment will produce the cardiovascular outcomes researchers hoped for.

Ezetimibe primarily lowers LDL cholesterol rather than Lp(a), but reducing LDL can still help lower cardiovascular risk.

I’m wondering what your cardiologist has shared about the anticipated benefits and risks of adding ezetimibe, particularly given your previous medication experiences. How are you feeling about the treatment plan?