ApoA-1 Milano

A naturally-occurring mutated strain of the apoA-1 protein found in human HDL. First identified by Cesare Sirtori in Milan, it has been shown to significantly reduce arterial plaque.

Discovered by accident, the mutation was found to be present in about 3.5% of a tiny village called Limone sul Garda in northern Italy. It has been traced to a mutation in a single man living in the village in the 1700s.

Due to its enormous apparent efficacy, some have speculated that development of synthetic apoA-1 Milano may be a key factor in eradicating coronary heart disease.

No drugs are currently commercially available based on apoA-1 Milano. Rights to apoA-1 Milano were acquired in 2003 by Pfizer. Clinically known as ETC-216, Pfizer has not moved trials forward, posssibley because the drug must be administred intravenously, thus limiting its application as compared to oral medications.