Next-Generation Lipid Management: Elevating Outcomes Through Managed Care Strategies

Program Description

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are well-established, independent risk factors for ASCVD, yet maximally tolerated statin therapy fails to achieve guideline-recommended lipid targets in a substantial proportion of high-risk patients. Recurrent cardiovascular events including hospitalization continue to drive significant health care resource utilization and place a profound clinical, economic, and quality of life burden on patients and the health care system. Compounding this challenge is the widespread under-recognition of Lp(a), for which testing rates remain low even among patients with established ASCVD. This program is designed to equip managed care professionals and pharmacists with the clinical knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate the rapidly evolving lipid management landscape. The program reviews current and emerging non-statin LDL-C–lowering therapies as well as the pipeline of Lp(a)-specific agents. Updated guidance from the recently updated guidelines will frame the clinical rationale for universal Lp(a) testing and intensified lipid management in high-risk patients. With a dedicated focus on managed care strategy, the panelists will address prior authorization best practices, formulary alignment with evidence-based guidelines, and value-based care frameworks, while supporting early patient identification and empowering payers, pharmacists, and managed care organizations to translate emerging clinical evidence into improved cardiovascular outcomes.

Target audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 30, 2026
Expiration date: April 30, 2027
Learner level: Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Interpret evolving guideline recommendations for comprehensive lipid management, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), in patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)
• Ascertain the clinical utility and value of adjunctive non-statin lipid-lowering therapies in patients who remain above treatment targets despite guideline-directed therapy
• Examine the emerging landscape of lipid-targeted therapies, including novel mechanisms of action, and their potential to address unmet needs in ASCVD prevention
• Incorporate new evidence and real-world data into payer and managed care strategies to optimize access, coverage policies, and population health outcomes in ASCVD