BioCentury
ARTICLE | Emerging Company Profile

Lipigon: LPL protectorate

Lipigon taking new approach to lipoprotein lipase to prevent atherosclerosis

December 3, 2012 8:00 AM UTC

Lipoprotein lipase has long been a desirable target to treat atherosclerosis, but direct-acting activators of the enzyme have failed. Lipigon Pharmaceuticals AB is taking a different tack, developing small molecules that protect the enzyme from inactivation by endogenous inhibitors.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) plays a central role in blood lipid metabolism. It hydrolyzes triglycerides - resulting in formation of pre-beta HDL - and delivers free fatty acids to peripheral tissues for use as energy or storage. The enzyme also facilitates receptor-mediated uptake of atherogenic lipoproteins...