Antibody-mediated LOX-1 inhibition in patients with residual inflammation after myocardial infarction: a randomized phase 2 trial

Abstract

The lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a key scavenger receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL), which promotes inflammation and atherosclerosis. Here we evaluated MEDI6570, an antibody that acts as a LOX-1 antagonist, in a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding study in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and residual inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥ 1 mg l^-1). At 30-365 days after MI, 423 patients (75 women, 348 men) were randomly allocated to 50 mg, 150 mg or 400 mg MEDI6570 or placebo treatment subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 32 weeks. The primary endpoint, the change in the noncalcified plaque volume in the most diseased coronary segment (NCPV_MD) by computed tomography angiography, was not significantly different between placebo and MEDI6570 at any dose. The secondary endpoints, global NCPV and low-attenuation plaque volume, were also not different between placebo and MEDI6570 at any dose (all placebo-adjusted comparisons, P > 0.05). With regard to exploratory endpoints, there were reductions in free soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) from baseline by 44.8%, 85.8%, 94.0% and 96.4% in the placebo, 50 mg, 150 mg and 400 mg dose arms, respectively (all placebo-adjusted comparisons P < 0.001). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels decreased by 2.9%, -3.0%, 18.9% and 21.5% in the placebo, 50 mg, 150 mg and 400 mg arms, respectively, with substantial placebo-adjusted reductions observed only at 150 mg and 400 mg (P < 0.05). MEDI6570 was well tolerated and rates of serious adverse events were similar in the MEDI6570 and placebo groups. In summary, despite favorable effects on sLOX-1 and IL-6, a LOX-1 inhibitor did not reduce noncalcified coronary plaque volume in patients with residual inflammation after acute MI. EudraCT registration: 2020-000840-75 .