Have you heard of colchicine? While colchicine has been used for centuries to treat gout, it is now being touted for its anti-inflammatory benefits for the heart. Recently, the FDA approved its use as an anti-inflammatory atheroprotective cardiovascular treatment – under the drug name Lodoco®. This approval marks the first of its kind, as in, the drug is the first FDA approved drug to target cardiac inflammation. In trial, Lodoco® was found to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization and heart-related death, for individuals with heart disease or several risk factors for heart disease.

Since colchicine has anti-inflammatory effects, it makes sense that it can be used in the prevention of heart ailments of inflammatory nature – including those listed above, especially for those at-risk. Colchicine has also been shown to inhibit cell migration and division, which is also beneficial for reducing adverse cardiovascular events. l am excited for the approval of more drugs aimed at prevention, rather than solely treatment. Prevention is key when it comes to healthspan promotion and living younger!