Modified‐Policosanol Does Not Reduce Plasma Lipoproteins in Hyperlipidemic Patients When Used Alone or in Combination with Statin Therapy

Abstract

Policosanol is a poorly absorbed nutritional supplement used primarily for cholesterol management. Findings from previous trials evaluating the effects of policosanol are mixed with early data reporting positive lipid effects while more recent studies indicate negligible efficacy. We hypothesized that re-formulating policosanol would result in an improvement in major lipoproteins and possibly provide some explanation for previously conflicting trial data. Our primary objectives were to assess the efficacy and safety of modified-policosanol (MP) on the major lipoproteins among hyperlipidemic subjects receiving background statin therapy or as monotherapy. This 8-week clinical trial consisted of 3 arms. Subjects receiving chronic statin therapy (N=36) were randomized in a double-blind design to MP 20mg daily or placebo. In the third arm, subjects not receiving statin therapy (N=18) were assigned open-label MP 20mg daily. The utilization of MP when added to background statin therapy or as monotherapy resulted in no significant changes in major lipoproteins (all p>0.05). The MP therapy was well tolerated with no major adverse events reported. Consistent with recent clinical trial data, MP demonstrated an excellent safety profile but produced no significant effects on major lipoproteins when used as monotherapy or when given with concomitant statin therapy.