Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by markedly elevated low density lipoproteins (LDL). Elevated LDL is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).~Mipomersen is an antisense drug that reduces a protein in the liver cells called apolipoprotein B (Apo-B). Apo-B plays a role in producing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (the bad cholesterol) and moving it from the liver to one's bloodstream. High LDL-C is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) or other diseases of blood vessels. It has been shown that lowering LDL-C reduces the risk of heart attacks and other major adverse cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study is to determine whether mipomersen safely and effectively lowers LDL-C in severely hypercholesterolemic patients who are on a maximally tolerated lipid-lowering regimen and who are not on apheresis.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dosing with mipomersen for 26 weeks in treating severely hypercholesterolemic patients who are on a maximally tolerated lipid-lowering regimen and who are not on apheresis.