USC Clinical Trials is partnering with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals to assess potential new treatments for abnormal blood lipids.

Abnormal blood lipids is a condition in which unusual levels of triglycerides and certain types of cholesterol are found in the blood. The condition is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which can ultimately lead to heart attacks, strokes and circulatory issues and often occurs without symptoms.

In 2020, USC Clinical Trials participated in a phase 1 study for one of these treatments, which was trialled in people with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (triglyceride levels are more than three times the normal level).

The centre is now progressing to phase 2 studies and is seeking people with abnormal blood lipids levels to register their interest to participate in studies looking at the wide spectrum of elevated lipid levels.

Dr Nischal Sahai will lead the studies at USC Clinical Trials’ Moreton Bay clinic, with Doctors Rob Scott and Sue Thackwray leading the studies on the Sunshine Coast.

Dr Sahai said these studies could help broaden the range of treatment options available for patients with dyslipidaemia.

“We are investigating potential new therapies that could reduce triglycerides and therefore reduce the incidence of heart attacks, strokes and associated vascular or circulatory disorders in the community”.

Dr Sahai said it is great to see research continue into this potential treatment option for people with dyslipidaemia.

Adults with known or suspected abnormal blood lipids are invited to take part in the study. Participants will be required to follow a stable diet for two weeks and have been on approved cholesterol-lowering medication for at least four weeks.

The study will involve up to 16 clinic visits over a 54-week period and may involve up to two separate injections of the study medication.

Those interested in participating can find more information at usc.edu.au/trials