Today, AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO-OTC) announced that it has initiated a Phase I clinical trial with AHRO-001, the Company’s lead compound. This milestone marks AtheroNova’s transition to a clinical-stage company. AHRO-001 is intended to treat and prevent atherosclerosis, a disease in which the buildup of cholesterol, fats, or other fatty substances along the walls of the arteries causes thickening, blockage, and hardening. Atherosclerotic plaque is the main cause of cardiovascular disease.
Currently, lipid regulators, specifically statins, are the most effective method for reducing serum cholesterol levels. However, at commonly prescribed dosage levels, statins are ineffective at reducing plaque, carry significant drawbacks in their tolerability, and may pose complications resulting from long-term use. Despite these disadvantages, the global market for lipid regulators was $38.7 billion as of 2011 (Source: IMS Health).