Alirocumab Linked to Lower Risk for Recurrent Ischemic CV Events

By Kelly Young

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD

Adding alirocumab to high-intensity statins is associated with reduced risk for recurrent ischemic cardiovascular events, according to an industry-funded study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers enrolled nearly 19,000 patients who had an acute coronary syndrome within the past year, had elevated lipid levels (most had an LDL above 70 mg/dL), and were taking high-dose statins (or highest tolerated doses). Patients were randomized to receive either alirocumab (a proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 [PCSK9] inhibitor) or placebo by injection every other week.

During a median 3 years' follow-up, the composite primary endpoint — coronary heart disease death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina — occurred less often with alirocumab (9.5% vs. 11.1% with placebo). An estimated 49 patients would need to be treated for 4 years to prevent one CV event. The greatest benefit was seen in patients with LDL levels above 100 mg/dL.

Keep an eye out for what NEJM Journal Watch Cardiology Editor-in-Chief Harlan Krumholz has to say about this trial in the coming days.