Low HDL is a well known independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. As a result, there have been several attempts to develop medications to raise HDL. Specific targets include the inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which plays an essential role in HDL metabolism by facilitating the transfer of cholesterol esters from HDL cholesterol to apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins.
Pfizer created just that drug. Known as Torcetrapib, it was seen as a promising therapeutic to increase HDL and potentially…
