PCSK9 inhibitors: monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

In 2015 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first two proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, alirocumab (Praluent®; Sanofi/ Regeneron) and evolocumab (Repatha®; Amgen), for use in patients with heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and for patients intolerant of statins or those with a major risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but unable to lower their LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) to optimal levels with statins and ezetimibe. Numerous randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that these inhibitors cause a fall in LDL-C levels of 50-60% as well as causing a decline in lipoprotein(a) and an increase in HDL cholesterol. They are effective in reducing levels of LDL-C to 1.8 mmol/L or less in almost all patients in the groups listed above except for those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. In the latter case, many patients will still have LDL-C levels well above optimal levels despite the use of statins and a PCSK9 inhibitor. To date these inhibitors have not caused major adverse effects. However, the results of ongoing long-term randomized clinical trials are needed to determine whether they cause a significant reduction in CVD events including deaths from CVD. These studies will also demonstrate whether the PCSK9 inhibitors have any unexpected adverse effects and/or effects resulting from the loss of PCSK9 functions at other sites in the body, in particular regarding neurocognition. A further major concern is the high cost of PCSK9 inhibitors and their effect on healthcare costs and health insurance premiums. Copyright 2016 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.