Can a PCSK9 Inhibitor Prevent Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce the risk for ischemic cardiovascular events in patients with stable atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and elevated atherogenic lipoproteins despite statin therapy. In the industry-sponsored, randomized, placebo-controlled, international ODYSSEY Outcomes trial (1315 sites in 57 countries; NCT01663402), researchers examined whether the FDA-approved PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab could reduce ischemic cardiovascular events in patients on high-intensity statin therapy who had elevated atherogenic lipoproteins and a history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS; occurring >1 month but <12 months before enrollment).

Most of the 18,924 participants had an LDL ≥70 mg/dL; median time…