PCSK9 Inhibitors and CVD Risk Reduction: Cochrane Review

PCSK9 inhibitors combined with statins ± ezetimibe show benefit versus placebo in high-risk patients, but data on PCSK9 inhibitors versus statins are inconclusive.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against PCSK9 (PCSK9 inhibitors) provide robust reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and are shown to improve clinical outcomes. This Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effects of the PCSK9 inhibitors alirocumab and evolocumab on total cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (urgent coronary revascularization, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary heart disease death), all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Randomized, controlled trials of at least 24 weeks were included. Among the 60,997 participants (71% men; 83% white), most were high-risk patients with a history of CVD or familial hypercholesterolemia.

Eighteen trials compared PCSK9 inhi…

Reviewing Author

Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, FACC

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBoehringer Ingelheim; Amgen; Novartis; Lilly; Amarin

Speaker’s BureauBoehringer Ingelheim

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsCirculation (Associate Editor)