Exploratory Study of Plaque Regression

EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PLAQUE REGRESSION:A Phase II Single Center Open-Label Exploratory Trial of the Effect of CER 001 in Subjects With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Despite the availability of several classes of very effective drugs available to treat heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), there remains a large unmet medical need for new, effective and well tolerated therapies. There are a number of therapies given on a chronic basis to reduce long term risk, such as statins, fibrates, niacin, omega 3 fatty acids, resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, but subjects with heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia remain at high risk for cardiovascular events. There is still a need for acute therapies that can lead to rapid pacification of unstable plaque in order to reduce the risk of these events. This study will assess the effects of CER-001 , a recombinant human Apo-A-1 based HDL mimetic, on indices of atherosclerotic plaque progression and regression as assessed by 3Tesla MRI (3TMRI)and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) evaluations in patients with HeFH.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or Female subjects at least 18 years old
• Subject presents heterozygous FH, known CHD and receiving maximally tolerated lipid modifying therapy, at stable doses for at least 3 months
• LDL-C of > 110 mg/dl
• Angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease with suitable "target" coronary artery for IVUS

Exclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of homozygous FH
• Significant health problems (other than cardiovascular disease) in the recent past including blood disorders, cancer, or digestive problems
• Female subjects not meeting the study definition of non child-bearing potential
• Use of an investigational agent within 30 days of the first CER-001 dose
• Receiving current lipid apheresis