Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a common form of a lipid disorder with a fasting plasma triglyceride (TG) above 150 mg/dL. Patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) have triglyceride levels more than three times the normal level,i.e. >500 mg/dL.  SHTG may result from primary (genetic defects in triglyceride metabolism) or secondary causes, including uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and sedentary habits. SHTG can lead to multiple serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis.

The general treatment regimen for SHTG includes dietary restrictions and lipid-lowering  drugs such  as fibrates, omega-3-fatty acids, and nicotinic acid.  The rise in the incidence of SHTG is associated with the increasing prevalence of T2DM, therefore, a therapeutic agent that can address both T2DM and SHTG with additional beneficial effects on lipids and body weight may represent the ‘next generation’ TG lowering agent.