Research Study Available in Baltimore for Lesser-Known ‘Bad’ Cholesterol Called Lp(a)

Study seeks to understand impact of investigational treatment on elevated Lp(a) levels

A cardiovascular research study is now available in Baltimore, Md., for an investigational treatment to help patients with elevated lipoprotein (a), known as Lp(a). Elevated Lp(a) is recognized by healthcare professionals as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, Lp(a) is often not tested for—and testing is often not covered by insurance—because there are no currently approved treatments for lowering Lp(a). Participants in this study will receive Lp(a) tests at no cost.

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Lp(a) is similar to “bad” LDL cholesterol, but has an extra protein that hangs off LDL cholesterol particles. This makes it even stickier than LDL and more likely to cause blockages and blood clots in blood vessels. Heart attack or stroke are some of the serious and, unfortunately, common cardiovascular events associated with elevated Lp(a). According to the Baltimore City Health Department, heart disease is the leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death in Baltimore.

KRAKEN is a phase 2 study to assess the efficacy of a new investigational treatment developed to safely and effectively lower Lp(a) in individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events.

“It’s estimated that about one in five people in the world have elevated Lp(a) levels with Black people of sub-Saharan descent and South Asians exhibiting even higher rates,” said Dr. Ali Bajwa, Principal Investigator of Care Access - Baltimore. “Since elevated Lp(a) is thought to be genetically derived, normal courses of action to treat high cholesterol like eating a healthier diet, exercise, and weight loss have little to no effect on Lp(a) levels. That’s why I am very excited to help bring this Lp(a) screening opportunity and investigational treatment to the Baltimore community as a part of this far-reaching study.”

The research study is currently enrolling for adults ages 40+ with elevated Lp(a) and at high risk for cardiovascular events. To learn more about this study, visit knowmylpa.com or contact Care Access at (351) 222-5112.

Care Access opened its Baltimore location in collaboration with local community leaders and healthcare providers seeking to make clinical research more accessible to the Baltimore community.

About Care Access

Care Access is a global research company helping to accelerate the arrival of new medicines. With a global network of over 150 research sites, Care Access supports research studies conducted by 14 of the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies. In addition to its proven track record of globally top-enrolling sites, Care Access partners with new-to-research communities and establishes high-quality research site infrastructure locally to expand access to clinical trials and increase representation. For research sponsors, Care Access offers three core services: (1) global network of research sites, (2) community screenings to expand a study’s reach, and (3) staffing, on-demand physical space expansion, and training services to support all research sites on a study.

To learn more about active studies at Care Access, or how Care Access helps sponsors achieve enrollment and representation goals, visit www.careaccess.com.

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Since elevated Lp(a) is thought to be genetically derived, normal courses of action to treat high cholesterol like eating a healthier diet, exercise, and weight loss have little to no effect on Lp(a) levels. #ClinicalResearch #lpa #cardiovascular