Does PCSK9 Inhibition Reduce Plaque Burden Following Acute MI?

The PACMAN-AMI study found that early use of alirocumab reduced plaque atheroma of non–infarct-related arteries.

Intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering with statins has been shown to reduce coronary plaque atheroma burden. It is unknown if early proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition, on top of statins, would have similar favorable, short-term effects on plaque composition as measured by intracoronary studies of intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

In the industry-funded PACMAN-AMI trial (NCT03067844), investigators randomized 300 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and angiographic evidence of atherosclerosis (but no significant obstructive disease) in two non–infarct-related arteries, to receive biweekly subcutane…

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

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