Effects of the Acyl Coenzyme A:Cholesterol Acyltransferase Inhibitor Avasimibe on Human Atherosclerotic Lesions

Avasimibe did not favorably alter coronary atherosclerosis as assessed by intravascular ultrasound.

• In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, three dosages of avasimibe (50, 250, and 750 mg) were tested against placebo over up to 24 months.
• The mean total plaque volume change was 0.7 mm3 for placebo and 7.7, 4.1, and 4.8 mm3 for the avasimibe groups, with no statistically significant differences.
• Percent atheroma volume increased by 0.4% with placebo and by 0.7%, 0.8%, and 1.0% in the avasimibe groups, which was not statistically significant.
• LDL cholesterol levels increased by 1.7% in the placebo group but by 7.8%, 9.1%, and 10.9% in the avasimibe groups, indicating a significant increase in all avasimibe dosages.

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