Does Lowering Lp(a) with a PCSK9 Inhibitor Reduce Cardiovascular Risk?

Targeting lipoprotein(a) might provide an additive benefit beyond LDL lowering, according to data from a randomized, controlled trial.

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are strongly associated with coronary disease, but no compelling randomized trial data prove that lowering Lp(a), such as with proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, reduces cardiovascular disease risk. In a prespecified analysis of the industry-sponsored ODYSSEY Outcomes trial of the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab (NEJM JW Cardiol Feb 2019 and N Engl J Med 2018; 379:2097; NCT01663402), investigators sought to determine the incremental effect of Lp(a) reduction on risk for recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; coronary heart disease death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization) in 18,924 people who had experie…

Reviewing Author

Fatima Rodriguez, MD, MPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardNovoNordisk; HealthPals; Novartis; Amgen

EquityHealthPals; Carta

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association–Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Editorial BoardsCardiology and Therapy

Fatima Rodriguez, MD, MPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardNovoNordisk; HealthPals; Novartis; Amgen

EquityHealthPals; Carta

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association–Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Editorial BoardsCardiology and Therapy

Does Lowering Lp(a) with a PCSK9 Inhibitor Reduce Cardiovascular Risk?

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Reviewing Author