Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Introduction: Bempedoic acid and the combination with ezetimibe (BA+EZE) have demonstrated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering in clinical trials of adults with primary hyperlipidemia at high risk for or with cardiovascular disease. The impact of BA+EZE on LDL-C outcomes in a real-world cohort has not been studied.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of BA+EZE on LDL-C reduction and goal achievement using real-world data.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using deidentified electronic health records and linked claims data. Adult patients were included if they had a pharmacy claim for BA+EZE from March 1, 2020 to March 15, 2024 (date of first pharmacy claim = index date), had ≥1 baseline LDL-C lab result on or within 6 months prior to the index date, and ≥2 LDL-C lab results post-index, including 1 lab result 12 months post-index (±60 days). Patients with documented use of ezetimibe on or within 6 weeks prior to index were excluded. For all patients with available valid lab results, LDL-C was determined at baseline (the value closest to but not after the index date), 3 months (±30 days), 6 months (±60 days) and 12 months (±60 days).
Results: A total of 615 BA+EZE patients were identified (mean age 62±11 years, 52% women). At baseline, 64% had evidence of statin use in the prior 12 months and the mean LDL-C was 131±52 mg/dl. Figure 1 shows the change in the proportion of patients achieving LDL-C control at index, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-index. The proportion of patients achieving LDL-C <100 mg/dL more than doubled from index (30%) to 3 months (67%), and was sustained through 12 months (55%). At 12 months, there were fewer patients with LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL (24% vs 47% at index). The mean LDL-C reduction was 28% at 3 months (to 94±47 mg/dL), 27% at 6 months (96±44 mg/dL), and 22% at 12 months (102±47 mg/dL) (p<0.0001 for all vs index).
Conclusion: Patients who initiated BA+EZE showed early and sustained improvements in LDL-C. Future research should consider the impact of time on therapy and adherence on LDL-C control.