Dyslipidemia refers to any increase or decrease in lipid levels from defined normal parameters, with physicians particularly focusing on the treatment of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) due to the well-established link between excessively elevated LDL-C and atherosclerosis. As such, LDL-C is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease, one of the world’s leading causes of morbidity and mortality, though differences in LDL particle morphology can also play a role. Other lipid level deviations in dyslipidemia include elevated triglycerides, elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated total cholesterol, and elevated non-HDL-C, a marker of cholesterol in all atherogenic lipoproteins.

The dyslipidemia market is well established, and the branded segment has seen declining sales due to generics. However, a number of novel drugs are poised to spur growth, though this will depend on a variety of payer and physician factors.

This Datamonitor Healthcare report contains a Disease Analysis module.