Effect of Darapladib on Plasma Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity

Researchers at Penn and several other sites around the world studied the safety and efficacy of the drug darapladib (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline) on Lp-PLA, an enzyme associated with inflammatory activity and increased risk for heart attack and stroke.

The drug was tested among patients already taking a cholesterol-lowering statin drug. After 12 weeks on a daily regimen of 160 mg of darapladib, blood tests revealed a decrease in two important circulating biomarkers, suggesting a possible reduction in systemic inflammatory burden.

While the drug doesn’t necessarily act to shrink plaque, Mohler says the research suggests that darapladib may reduce plaque inflammation and therefore lower rates of clot formation and heart attacks among patients with coronary heart disease. -"University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine