CSL 111: potential in ACS not yet ERASEd

The investigational agent CSL 111, a novel reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (HDL) product consisting of apolipoprotein A-I from human plasma combined with soybean phosphatidylcholine, has a beneficial effect on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), according to data from the ERASE* trial presented at the 56th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) [New Orleans, Louisiana, US; March 2007]. Despite failing to meet the primary endpoint of the percent change in atheroma volume, CSL 111 was associated with statistically significant improvements compared with placebo in the plaque characterisation indexes and coronary score. "We think this represents evidence that elevation of HDL remains a valid target for treatment of cardiovascular disease, and that further clinical evaluation of HDL infusions with CSL 111 and studies with a longer follow-up is warranted", said principal investigator Dr Jean-Claude Tardif of the University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.