Selective thyromimetics for atherosclerosis and dyslipidaemia: another old target making progress

Background: Whereas many new targets for drug discovery have been identified from new biology, such as that from the Human Genome Project, some targets have been known for decades but have not been exploited. Objective: One such target, selective thyromimetics, is reviewed from a historical perspective and in the light of recent developments. Methods: The history of thyromimetics in atherosclerosis and dyslipidaemia is reviewed as the background to the recent publication of the first human data on a new selective thyromimetic, KB-2115 (eprotirome). Conclusion: The published data provide proof of concept/mechanism, opening the way to larger studies in a wider range of subjects and in combination with statins.