Anti-inflammatory therapeutics for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Current atherosclerosis therapies largely act by lowering lipid levels and although they are effective, patients are still at risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). It has recently emerged that inflammation has a major role in the development of MACE and this is not addressed by existing agents. Here, Charo and Taub discuss key anti-inflammatory targets and associated therapeutics that are now being developed to treat atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of heart disease and stroke and is thus the underlying pathology of the leading causes of death in the western world. Although risk can be reduced by lowering lipid levels, the equally important contribution of inflammation to the development of cardiovascular disease is not adequately addressed by existing therapies. Here, we summarize the evidence supporting a role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, discuss agents that are currently in the clinic and provide a perspective on the challenges faced in the development of drugs that target vascular inflammation.