Old target, but new drug: 2nd generation cetp inhibitor, CKD-508

Background and Aims: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a plasma protein that mediates the transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL to apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein in exchange for triglyceride. Although genetic studies suggested a potential effect of CETP inhibition in reducing cardiovascular events by lowering LDL-C and increasing HDL-C, previous clinical trials of four CETP inhibitors did not show promising results and raised safety concerns. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect of CKD-508, an orally available CETP inhibitor with improved efficacy and safety.