A biocompatible lipid solubilzer, preferably a biliary acid or salt or a biliary precursor or derivative being made bioavailable in the systemic circulation of a patient via a variety of routes of administration including topical-mucous membrane, topical-dermatological such as via a skin patch, intravenous, subcutaneous, rectal, intramuscular, intradermal, inhalatory, intrarterial, or via specialized catheter for in loco delivery of the substance, or via a subcutaneous or intravenous infusion pump, the lipid solubilizer being capable of crossing the fibrous cap of the atherosclerotic plaque to reach and dissolve the cholesterol aggregates and in general the lipidic core within the plaque. As a result of such solubilization of the lipidic core of the plaque, the solubilized cholesterol exits the plaque and enters finely dissolved into the systemic circulation leaving behind a delipidized plaque. As a result of this pharmacological action upon the atherosclerotic plaque by the biocompatible lipid solubilizer, the plaque is no longer vulnerable to rupture and arterial flow is restituted to physiological pre-plaque formation values. This effect on the lipid core of the plaque is expected to reduce and/or eliminate altogether preexisting atherosclerotic lesions and significantly reduce chances of acute and chronic ischemic events.