Outcomes trials
Review surveys CETP inhibitor outcome trials from the harm of torcetrapib to the futility of later agents (Curr Opin Lipidol 2016)
Original title: Clinical trials with cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors
This review surveys clinical outcome trials of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, a drug class of interest because of favorable effects on atherogenic and protective lipid parameters. Population and genetic studies show that low CETP activity is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events, and inhibiting CETP in animal models favorably affects experimental atherosclerosis. However, the first CETP inhibitor to reach an outcome trial caused adverse clinical effects, and the next, a more modest inhibitor, proved clinically futile. Despite these setbacks, the authors note continued interest in developing nontoxic, potent CETP inhibitors capable of reducing cardiovascular risk.
Original abstract
Purpose Of Review: Inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has received considerable interest by virtue of its favorable effects on atherogenic and protective lipid parameters. The impact of CETP inhibitors in large clinical outcome trials will be reviewed.
Recent Findings: Population and genetic studies demonstrate that low CETP activity associates with lower rates of cardiovascular events. Inhibiting CETP activity in animal models has a favorable impact on experimental atherosclerosis. Although the first CETP inhibitor to advance to an outcome trial proved to have adverse clinical effects and the next agent, a more modest inhibitor, was clinically futile, there continues to be immense interest in the potential to develop nontoxic, potent CETP inhibitors to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Summary: The current status of CETP inhibitors in the context of large outcomes trials will be reviewed.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.