Effect of bempedoic acid on new onset or worsening diabetes: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Bempedoic acid is a new agent that reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Since inhibits cholesterol synthesis through a different mechanism than statins, the adverse effects related to it may also be different. Therefore, the objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of bempedoic acid on new onset or worsening diabetes.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis including randomized trials of bempedoic acid therapy, reporting new onset or worsening diabetes with a minimum of 4 weeks of follow-up. The fixed-effects model was performed. This meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Five eligible trials of bempedoic acid, including 3629 patients, were identified and considered eligible for the analyses. A total of 2419 subjects were allocated to receive bempedoic acid while 1210 subjects were allocated to the respective control arms. Bempedoic acid therapy is associated with a significant reduction in new onset or worsening diabetes [Odds Ratio: 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.48-0.90; I2: 0%].

CONCLUSION

This data suggests that the use of bempedoic acid significantly reduces the new onset or worsening diabetes risk. This finding should be confirmed with future studies.