New heart drug acts 'like drain cleaner'

A ne drug promises to clean the clogged arteries of heart disease patients like drain cleaner.

A study published today shows that the treatment, a synthetic version of "good" cholesterol, can remove years of plaque after only a few doses.

The drug showed remarkable results after being tested for only six weeks on 47 heart patients.

It mimics a substance called high-density lipoprotein or HDL, known as good cholesterol because it combats other cholesterol that clogs and narrows arteries.

Researchers have known for nearly 40 years that HDL occurs naturally in some people, including the inhabitants of a small northern Italian village who have a much lower rate of heart disease. A genetically engineered form, ApoA-1 Milano, has now been created by Michigan research company Esperion Therapeutics.

Steven Nissan, a cardiologist at the clinic which co-ordinated the tests, said that when he saw the results: "I almost fell off my chair."

He said: "We've run across something that can literally clear out the plaque in just a few weeks. That is unprecedented."

Dr Nissan said: "We really have the opportunity to attack this disease for the first time. It's opening a new door."

The drug will now be tested on a much wider group to ensure it is safe and effective.