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Olezarsen in Hypertriglyceridemia With High Cardiac Risk: A GRADE-Assessed Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials With Trial Sequential Evidence

Emara A, Awashra A, Aboeldahab H, Gadelmawla AF, Abdul-Hafez HA, Alharran AM, Alsubaiei AA, AlRumaihi MJ et al.

Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism, 2026

1,615 participants

Abstract

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia is a widely prevalent disorder of lipid metabolism that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis, and it often remains difficult to control even with standard treatments. Olezarsen, an antisense oligonucleotide that targets apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III), offers a new and promising option for lowering triglyceride levels.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane was conducted through September 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing olezarsen with placebo in adults with hypertriglyceridemia at high cardiovascular risk. Dichotomous outcomes were analysed as risk ratios (RRs) and continuous outcomes as percentage mean differences (MDs), both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Four RCTs (n = 1615 patients) were included. Olezarsen significantly reduced triglycerides (MD -47.71%, 95% CI -56.78 to -38.64, p < 0.0001), non-HDL-C (MD -22.11%, 95% CI -28.48 to -15.75, p < 0.0001), ApoC-III (MD -68.93%, 95% CI -77.54 to -60.31, p < 0.0001), VLDL-C (MD -48.52%, 95% CI -57.16 to -39.87, p < 0.0001), and ApoB (MD -10.67%, 95% CI -16.83 to -4.51, p = 0.0007), while increasing HDL-C (MD 35.13%, 95% CI -27.30 to -42.96, p < 0.0001). LDL-C showed no significant change. The risks of any or serious adverse events were comparable to placebo. Olezarsen was associated with fewer acute pancreatitis events (p = 0.035) but higher rates of liver enzyme elevations ≥ 3× ULN (p =…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,615 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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