The present invention is directed to a method for identifying an antagonist compound of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), wherein the antagonist at least partially inhibits triglyceride transfer activity while not significantly inhibiting phospholipids transfer activity of MTP. In particular, the present invention is directed to assays for phospholipid (PL) and triglyceride (TG) transfer activity having considerably improved sensitivity. In addition, antagonist compounds that modulate the lipid transfer activity of MTP are provided. Kits for measuring the lipid transfer activity of MTP are also provided by the present invention.
