Characterization of the Inflammatory Phenotype in Atherosclerosis May Contribute to the Development of New Therapeutic and Preventative Interventions

Growing evidence supports a major role of chronic inflammation and platelet activation in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) disease. Because CV dysfunction is, at least in part, reversible, identifying these early stages may enhance the development of new therapeutic and preventive interventions. Technological advances have led to appreciation of underlying pathophysiology in vivo via targeted clinical readouts by soluble markers and noninvasive imaging. Integration of these readouts in early phases of development of novel drug candidates may provide a key addition to translational steps toward robust evidence. New paradigms of drug discovery may lead to earlier and more targeted interventions at reversible stage of disease.