Researchers discovered that combining two medications—dapagliflozin and alirocumab—may work better together than alone to prevent heart disease by reducing harmful fats in the blood. The study used lab experiments and mice to show how these drugs block a protein called CD36 that helps dangerous fats build up in cells. When the drugs worked together, they reduced inflammation, lowered bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and prevented fatty deposits from forming in arteries. While these results are promising, the research is still in early stages and hasn’t been tested in humans yet.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether combining two drugs (dapagliflozin and alirocumab) could work together to reduce dangerous fats in the blood and prevent heart disease by blocking a protein that helps fats accumulate in cells.
  • Who participated: The study used laboratory cells (macrophages and liver cells) and genetically modified mice that develop diabetes and high cholesterol when fed a high-fat diet. No human participants were involved in this research.
  • Key finding: When both drugs were used together, they were significantly more effective at reducing harmful fats, lowering inflammation, and preventing fatty buildup in arteries compared to using either drug alone or no treatment.
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new combination therapy for people at high risk of heart disease, but it’s still experimental. Talk to your doctor before considering these medications—this study doesn’t yet prove the combination works in humans.

The Research Details

This was a laboratory and animal study with two main parts. First, researchers grew human immune cells in dishes and exposed them to different levels of harmful fats to see how they responded. They tested what happened when they blocked a specific protein called CD36 and when they added the two medications. Second, they used genetically modified mice that naturally develop diabetes and high cholesterol. These mice were divided into four groups: one group ate a high-fat diet with no treatment, and three other groups received the same diet but with different medication treatments (one drug alone, the other drug alone, or both drugs together) for 12 weeks. The researchers then measured blood fat levels, inflammation markers, and damage to the arteries.

This research approach is important because it combines lab experiments with animal studies to understand how the drugs work before testing them in humans. The lab work shows the exact mechanism—how the drugs block the CD36 protein—while the animal studies show whether this actually prevents heart disease in a living system. This two-step approach helps researchers understand both the ‘how’ and the ‘whether it works’ before moving to human trials.

This is early-stage research published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The study was well-designed with clear control groups and measured many different outcomes. However, because it only tested mice and lab cells, not humans, the results may not directly apply to people. The findings are promising but need confirmation in human clinical trials before doctors would recommend this combination treatment.

What the Results Show

In the lab experiments, when researchers blocked the CD36 protein or added either medication alone, cells accumulated fewer harmful fats. When both medications were combined, the effect was even stronger. In the mouse study, after 12 weeks, the untreated mice had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (a type of fat), total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in their blood, plus more fatty deposits in their arteries. Mice receiving either drug alone showed improvement in these measurements. Mice receiving both drugs together showed the greatest improvement—their blood fat levels dropped the most, they had the least arterial damage, and they had lower inflammation throughout their bodies.

The combination therapy also helped mice maintain better blood sugar control and lower body weight compared to untreated mice. The drugs reduced inflammatory markers in the blood, which are signs of the body’s immune system being overactive. The combination also increased the activity of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which helps break down harmful fats in the bloodstream. Additionally, the combination therapy reduced oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules) more effectively than either drug alone.

Previous research showed that CD36 plays an important role in how cells absorb and store harmful fats. This study builds on that knowledge by showing that two different medications can block this process through different mechanisms, and that combining them creates a stronger effect. The findings align with earlier research suggesting that dapagliflozin (a diabetes drug) and alirocumab (a cholesterol-lowering drug) each have benefits for heart health, but this is the first study to show they may work synergistically together.

The major limitation is that this research was only conducted in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. Mice don’t always respond to treatments the same way humans do. The study didn’t test how long the effects last or whether there might be side effects from combining these drugs. The exact dose and timing of the medications weren’t specified for human use. Additionally, the study focused on mice with genetic diabetes, which may not represent all people with heart disease risk factors.

The Bottom Line

Based on this early research, the combination of dapagliflozin and alirocumab shows promise for reducing heart disease risk in people with high cholesterol and diabetes. However, this is preliminary evidence (confidence level: low to moderate). Do not start or change any medications based on this study alone. If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease risk, discuss with your doctor whether these medications might be appropriate for you as part of your treatment plan.

This research is most relevant to people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol who are at risk for heart disease. It may also interest people with genetic conditions that cause very high cholesterol. People without these conditions probably don’t need to worry about this research right now. Anyone considering these medications should consult their doctor, as they’re not appropriate for everyone.

In the mouse study, significant improvements appeared after 12 weeks of treatment. If this translates to humans, people might expect to see changes in blood fat levels within a few weeks to a few months, though the full protective effect against heart disease would take much longer to measure. It typically takes years to see whether a treatment actually prevents heart attacks or strokes.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If prescribed these medications, track your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels every 3 months (or as recommended by your doctor), recording the date and values. Also monitor fasting blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Note any changes in energy, side effects, or how you feel.
  • Use the app to set reminders to take medications consistently at the same time each day. Combine medication tracking with logging heart-healthy behaviors like exercise minutes, servings of vegetables, and sleep hours to see how the complete treatment plan affects your health markers.
  • Create a long-term dashboard showing trends in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar over months and years. Set goals based on your doctor’s recommendations and track progress toward those targets. Share reports with your healthcare provider during regular check-ups to assess whether the medication combination is working effectively for you.

This research is preliminary and was conducted only in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. These findings do not constitute medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medications based on this study. Dapagliflozin and alirocumab are prescription medications with potential side effects and contraindications. Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine if these medications are appropriate for your individual health situation. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan. This study suggests a potential future treatment approach but requires human clinical trials before it can be recommended for patient care.