In vitro activity: Anacetrapib is not only able to increase HDL-cholesterol, but also further decreases LDL-cholesterol when taken in combination with a statin. Anacetrapib dose-dependently and significantly decreases the transfer of CE from HDL3 to HDL2. Anacetrapib doesn't affect the amount of [14C]-dalcetrapibthiol bound to rhCETP. Anacetrapib decreases pre-β-HDL formation by more than 46%. Anacetrapib potently blocks CE and TG transfer in 95% human serum.

Kinase Assay: The inhibitory potency (IC50) of Dalcetrapib, Torcetrapib, and Anacetrapib to decrease CE transfer from HDL to LDL by rhCETP and C13S CETP is measured using a scintillation proximity assay kit. Briefly, [3H]CE-labeled HDL donor particles are incubated in the presence of purified CETP proteins (final concentration 0.5 μg/mL) and biotinylated LDL acceptor particles for 3 h at 37°C. Subsequently, streptavidin-coupled polyvinyltoluene beads containing liquid scintillation cocktail binding selectively to biotinylated LDL are added, and the amount of [3H]CE molecules transferred to LDL is measured by β counting.

Cell Assay: Cells are seeded in a 96 well plate overnight prior to the treatment by different concentrations of CETP inhibitors (e.g., Anacetrapib) for 24 h. Cell viability is measured using the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay kit. Four wells are evaluated under each experimental condition.