Aterovax: Making a sPLAsh

Aterovax S.A. is developing a biomarker test for atherosclerosis to help predict the likelihood of cardiovascular events. Because measuring the sPLA2 marker provides risk information that is independent of other risk factors, the company believes doctors will one day be able to use the test to make treatment decisions. It is now available as a research tool for use in clinical trials.

Secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2G2A; sPLA2) is a pro-inflammatory enzyme that is implicated as a causal agent in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. The enzyme causes the release of arachidonic acid, which leads to the production of inflammation mediators such as leukotrienes and prostacyclins...