Update on the Evidence for PCSK9 Inhibition to Lower LDL Cholesterol

Findings from three 12-week trials and a 1-year trial show promise for evolocumab, but we don't yet have outcomes data.

For patients who are eligible for statin therapy but are considered to be statin intolerant, inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been proposed as an alternative mechanism of action for lowering LDL cholesterol. Evolocumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits PCSK9 and is administered subcutaneously, was recently tested in several manufacturer-funded phase 3 trials. Bottom-line findings are presented here.

In the DESCARTES trial, about 900 patients with hyperlipidemia were started on 4 to 12 weeks of background lipid-lowering therapy according to risk categories from the Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Patients with an LDL level ≥75 mg/dL were then randomly assigned …

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

Update on the Evidence for PCSK9 Inhibition to Lower LDL Cholesterol

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Reviewing Author