Effect of Torcetrapib on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Background Torcetrapib, an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, may reduce atherosclerotic vascular disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Methods A total of 850 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia underwent B-mode ultrasonography at baseline and at follow-up to measure changes in carotid intima–media thickness. The patients completed an atorvastatin run-in period and were subsequently randomly assigned to receive either atorvastatin monotherapy or atorvastatin combined with 60 mg of torcetrapib for 2 years. Results After 24 months, in the atorvastatin-only group, the mean (±SD) HDL cholesterol level was 52.4±13.5 mg per deciliter and the mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level was 143.2±42.2 mg per deciliter, as compared with 81.5±22.6 mg per deciliter and 115.1±48.5 mg per deciliter, respectively, in the torcetrapib–atorvastatin group. During the study, average systolic blood pressure increased by 2.8 mm Hg in the torcetr...