Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein inhibition (CETPi)

A balanced view of the evidence

The termination of the development program for torcetrapib in December 2006 has left many unanswered questions. An interim analysis of the ILLUMINATE (Investigation of Lipid Level Management to Understand its Impact on Atherosclerotic Events) trial, which enrolled over 15,000 patients, showed an excess of deaths in people taking this drug compared with those only taking atorvastatin. Data from imaging trials with torcetrapib do not help in understanding why this drug caused harm (see CETPi for Beginners for more information).

To evaluate the future of the CETP inhibitor drugs, key questions need to be addressed:

  • Was the excess in deaths in ILLUMINATE due to CETPi or a result of unknown side effects of torcetrapib?
  • Do other CETP inhibitor drugs share these side effects?

To help healthcare professionals understand these issues, the CETPi Forum aims to provide a balanced view of the latest developments in this area. Commentaries and discussion of reports and news will be provided by the Editorial Board , each of whom has an international reputation for leadership in HDL and CETP research, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Editors

Kerry-Anne Rye, Philip Barter, Bryan Brewer, Alan Chait, John Chapman,
John Kastelein, Anthony S Wierzbicki