Synthetic HDL Cholesterol in the Works
Synthetic HDL Cholesterol in the Works
Jan. 16, 2009 -- Northwestern University researchers have developed a synthetic form of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, which they hope will lead to a clinically useful treatment for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
Developed using nanotechnology, which involves manipulation of matter at the molecular level, the synthetic HDL is composed of a tiny core of gold surrounded by fat molecules with an outer layer of the HDL protein ApoA-1.
More information on common Cholesterol drugs from RxList:
Similar in size and structure to naturally occurring HDL, the synthetic compound was designed to help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Newly reported studies from the Northwestern laboratory show that the man-made nanoparticles bind to cholesterol. This suggests that they will act as a sponge in the body to soak up the bad cholesterol that causes the formation of artery-clogging plaque, study researcher Chad Mirkin, PhD, tells WebMD.
The findings appear in the latest online issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
"It not only binds, but it binds extremely well," Mirkin says. "This bodes well for its potential as a therapeutic agent. You can think of it as a cholesterol scrubber."
The next step is to test the synthetic HDL in animals and then in humans if animal studies prove promising, Mirkin says.
Mirkin directs the International Institute for Nanotechnology and Chemistry at Northwestern and is co-founder of Nanosphere Inc. in Northbrook, Ill.
Millions of people take statins to lower their LDL "bad" cholesterol. But the search for effective drug treatments to raise HDL "good" cholesterol has so far proven disappointing.
Development of one highly anticipated HDL-targeting drug, Pfizer's torcetrapib, was halted late in 2006 when phase III studies showed an excess number of deaths among people who took it in combination with a statin.
High doses of the vitamin niacin have been shown to boost HDL levels, but many people can't tolerate the side effects, which can include hot flashes.
Another synthetic HDL, known as ApoA-1 Milano, was shown to be effective for reducing plaque in patients with coronary artery disease in a 2003 study. The patients took weekly injections of the compound for five weeks.
Developed using nanotechnology, which involves manipulation of matter at the molecular level, the synthetic HDL is composed of a tiny core of gold surrounded by fat molecules with an outer layer of the HDL protein ApoA-1.
Related Medications
More information on common Cholesterol drugs from RxList:
Similar in size and structure to naturally occurring HDL, the synthetic compound was designed to help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Newly reported studies from the Northwestern laboratory show that the man-made nanoparticles bind to cholesterol. This suggests that they will act as a sponge in the body to soak up the bad cholesterol that causes the formation of artery-clogging plaque, study researcher Chad Mirkin, PhD, tells WebMD.
The findings appear in the latest online issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
"It not only binds, but it binds extremely well," Mirkin says. "This bodes well for its potential as a therapeutic agent. You can think of it as a cholesterol scrubber."
Synthetic HDL: Beyond the Test Tube
The next step is to test the synthetic HDL in animals and then in humans if animal studies prove promising, Mirkin says.
Mirkin directs the International Institute for Nanotechnology and Chemistry at Northwestern and is co-founder of Nanosphere Inc. in Northbrook, Ill.
Millions of people take statins to lower their LDL "bad" cholesterol. But the search for effective drug treatments to raise HDL "good" cholesterol has so far proven disappointing.
Development of one highly anticipated HDL-targeting drug, Pfizer's torcetrapib, was halted late in 2006 when phase III studies showed an excess number of deaths among people who took it in combination with a statin.
High doses of the vitamin niacin have been shown to boost HDL levels, but many people can't tolerate the side effects, which can include hot flashes.
Another synthetic HDL, known as ApoA-1 Milano, was shown to be effective for reducing plaque in patients with coronary artery disease in a 2003 study. The patients took weekly injections of the compound for five weeks.
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