Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab 300 mg Every 4 Weeks in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes on Maximally Tolerated Statin.

CONTEXT: In the ODYSSEY CHOICE I trial, alirocumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) was assessed in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Alirocumab efficacy and safety were evaluated in a patient subgroup with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and who were receiving maximally tolerated statins with or without other lipid-lowering therapies.
METHODS: Participants received either alirocumab 300 mg Q4W (n = 458, including 96 with T2DM) or placebo (n = 230, including 50 with T2DM) for 48 weeks, with alirocumab dose adjustment to 150 mg every 2 weeks at Week (W) 12 if W8 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were ≥70 mg/dL or ≥ 100 mg/dL, depending on cardiovascular risk, or if LDL-C reduction was <30% from baseline. Efficacy end points included percentage change from baseline to W24 for lipids, and time-averaged LDL-C over W21 to W24.
RESULTS: In individuals with T2DM, LDL-C reductions from baseline to W24 and the average of W21 to W24 were significantly greater with alirocumab (-61.6% and -68.8%, respectively) vs placebo. At W24, alirocumab significantly reduced levels of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and other lipids. At W24, 85.9% and 12.5% of individuals in the alirocumab and placebo groups, respectively, reached both non-HDL-C <100 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL. At W12, In total, 18% of alirocumab-treated participants received dose adjustment. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were upper respiratory tract infection and injection-site reaction. No clinically significant changes in fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin were observed.
CONCLUSION: In individuals with T2DM, alirocumab 300 mg Q4W was generally well tolerated and efficacious in reducing atherogenic lipoproteins.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes

The leading cause of mortality and morbidity among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (1–3). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)–lowering by statins, either as monotherapy or in combination with ezetimibe, significantly reduces cardiovascular events (4, 5). Current lipid guidelines recommend reducing LDL-C target levels by ≥50% from baseline in individuals with T2DM with target levels of <55 or 70, or 100 mg/dL depending on the levels of absolute cardiovascular risk (1, 2, 6, 7). Although LDL-C is the principle focus of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), among those with high triglyceride (TG) levels, and thus high levels of cholesterol carried in TG-rich lipoproteins, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C; calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C) has been suggested as a better treatment target (1).

Despite statins and/or ezetimibe, many individuals with T2DM or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have elevated LDL-C levels and therefore may be candidates for additional LLT with a proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor (3, 8–10). In a pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials in patients with hypercholesterolemia who received maximally tolerated statin and other LLTs [ODYSSEY HIGH FH trial (11) and ODYSSEY LONG TERM trial (12)], alirocumab 150 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) reduced LDL-C levels from baseline by 59.9% among individuals with T2DM or T1DM at Week (W) 24 (placebo, 1.4% reduction) (13). In trials of individuals with T2DM who received maximally tolerated statin therapy and insulin treatment [ODYSSEY DM-INSULIN trial (14)] or who had elevated TG levels [ODYSSEY DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA trial (15)], alirocumab 75 mg Q2W (with possible dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W) significantly reduced LDL-C levels by 48.2% and 43.3%, respectively, from baseline to W24 (15).

Presently, the 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) dosing regimen has not been evaluated in individuals with T2DM. This analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of alirocumab 300 mg Q4W (with possible dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W) in a study population subgroup with T2DM who received maximally tolerated statins in the ODYSSEY CHOICE I study (16).

Methods

Patients and study design

Details about the CHOICE I study design and enrolled participants have been reported (16). Briefly, CHOICE I enrolled individuals with inadequately controlled hypercholesterolemia and who were at (1) moderate risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) with no statin therapy, (2), moderate-to-very-high CVD risk with statin-associated muscle symptoms, or (3) moderate-to-very-high CVD risk with maximally tolerated statin therapy. Individuals were randomly assigned (4:1:2) to receive alirocumab 300 mg Q4W (n = 458), alirocumab 75 mg Q2W (calibrator arm; n = 115), or placebo (n = 230) for 48 weeks. The alirocumab dose was adjusted to 150 mg Q2W at W12 in a blinded fashion if W8 LDL-C levels were >70 mg/dL or >100 mg/dL (depending on CVD risk), or if the LDL-C reduction was <30% from baseline at W8. For enrolled individuals with very high CVD risk, the baseline LDL-C level was required to be ≥70 mg/dL; for those with high or moderate CVD risk, baseline LDL-C was required to be ≥100 mg/dL.

Only individuals with a medical history of T2DM and who received maximally tolerated statin therapy with or without other LLTs were included in this subgroup analysis (calibrator arm not included). Study participants were divided into CVD risk categories as previously described (Table 1) (16, 17). All patients were taking atorvastatin 40 to 80 mg, rosuvastatin 20 to 40 mg, or simvastatin 80 mg, or received the maximally tolerated dose of one of these three statins.

Table 1.

Definition of CVD Risk Categories for CHOICE I

CVD Risk Category	Characteristic
Very high	History of documented CHD (acute/silent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary revascularization procedure, or clinically significant CHD diagnosed by invasive or noninvasive testing) or risk equivalents (ischemic stroke, transient attack, carotid occlusion >50% without symptoms, carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stent procedure, peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aneurysm, renal artery stenosis, renal artery stent procedure, T1DM or T2DM with target organ damage)
High	Calculated 10-year fatal CVD risk SCORE ≥5%, moderate chronic kidney disease, T1DM or T2DM without target organ damage, or HeFH
Moderate	Calculated 10-year fatal CVD risk SCORE ≥1% and <5%

Abbreviations: CHD, coronary heart disease; HeFH, heterozygous hypercholesterolemia; SCORE, Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation.

End points and laboratory assessments

Efficacy end points included percentage change from baseline to W24 for calculated LDL-C and time-averaged LDL-C over W21 to W24, as well as percentage change from baseline to W24 for non–HDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, TGs, HDL-C, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], Apo A1, and TG-rich lipoprotein cholesterol (TRL-C).

Additional efficacy end points included the impact of dose adjustment, and the percentage of subjects achieving LDL-C <70 mg/dL, non–HDL-C <100 mg/dL, or both, at W24.

The non–HDL-C level was calculated by subtracting HDL-C from total cholesterol. The LDL-C level was calculated using Friedewald formula and was also determined via β-quantification if TG values were >400 mg/dL. TG and HDL-C levels were determined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Heart Lung Blood Institute Lipid Standardization Program assays (Medpace Reference Laboratories, Cincinnati, OH). Apo B, Apo A1, and Lp(a) levels were determined using nephelometry. TRL-C level was calculated by subtracting LDL-C from non–HDL-C. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were also assessed.

Safety was assessed throughout the study. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were defined as any adverse events that developed, worsened, or became serious from the first dose of study drug to the last dose of study drug plus 70 days.

Statistical analysis

All key lipid end points, except for Lp(a), TGs, and goal achievement, were analyzed using a mixed-effects model with repeated measures, with parameters to account for missing data, as previously reported (17, 18). Lp(a) was analyzed using a multiple imputation approach then robust regression, and TGs and goal achievement were analyzed using logistic regression.

The efficacy analysis for percentage change from baseline to W24 or time-averaged LDL-C over W21 to W24 included all randomized individuals with an LDL-C measurement available at baseline and at least one of the postrandomization time points between W4 and W24, regardless of treatment adherence (intention-to-treat population).

The on-treatment population was defined as an all-randomized population who took at least one dose or part of a dose of study drug and had an LDL-C measurement available at baseline and at least one calculated LDL-C value during the efficacy treatment period and within one of the analysis windows up to W24. The on-treatment efficacy analysis included the proportion of individuals achieving predefined lipid goals, and LDL-C levels over time according to treatment status and W12 dose-adjustment status.

Safety analyses included all randomized individuals who received at least one dose or part of a study drug. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze safety data.

Results

Baseline characteristics

In total, 96 individuals identified as having T2DM and receiving maximally tolerated statins received alirocumab 300 mg Q4W (with possible dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W at W12), and 50 received placebo. Baseline characteristics were generally similar in the alirocumab and placebo groups (Table 2). No individuals with heterozygous hypercholesterolemia were included in this analysis. The percentage of subjects receiving other LLTs in addition to statins was slightly higher in the alirocumab group, and slightly fewer subjects received glucose-lowering therapy compared with the placebo group (Table 2).

Table 2.

Baseline Characteristics (Randomized Population)

	Alirocumab (n = 96)	Placebo (n = 50)
Age, mean (SD), y	62.8 (9.0)	62.6 (9.0)
Sex, male, n (%)	60 (62.5)	34 (68.0)
BMI, mean (SD), kg/m2	33.6 (6.9)	34.5 (6.4)
Race, white, n (%)	78 (81.3)	38 (76.0)
ASCVD, n (%)	58 (60.4)	29 (58.0)
Hypertension, n (%)	85 (88.5)	44 (88.0)
CKD, n (%)	5 (5.2)	5 (10.0)
Mild CKD/normal renal functiona	1 (1.0)	0
Moderate CKDa	4 (4.2)	5 (10.0)
FPG, mean (SD), mg/dL	127.0 (39.3)	136.4 (46.9)
HbA1c, mean (SD), %	6.9 (0.9)	6.9 (0.8)
eGFR, mean (SD), mL/min/1.73m2	74.9 (19.5)	74.8 (21.4)
Diastolic blood pressure, mean (SD), mmHg	78.4 (8.5)	77.6 (9.5)
Systolic blood pressure, mean (SD), mmHg	131.1 (12.2)	132.5 (13.6)
Individuals receiving glucose-lowering therapy, n (%)	72 (75.0)	44 (88.0)
Individuals receiving insulin, n (%)	26 (27.1)	14 (28.0)
Individuals receiving no glucose-lowering therapy, n (%)	24 (25.0)	6 (12.0)
LLT other than statins,b n (%)
Ezetimibe	12 (12.5)	5 (10.0)
Nutraceuticals	12 (12.5)	6 (12.0)
Omega-3 fatty acids	10 (10.4)	5 (10.0)
Fibrates	8 (8.3)	3 (6.0)
Nicotinic acid and derivatives	3 (3.1)	1 (2.0)
Lipids, mean (SD), mg/dL
Non–HDL-C	139.2 (33.4)	136.0 (40.7)
LDL-C, calculated	106.8 (29.4)	106.5 (35.7)
HDL-C	46.2 (11.6)	44.9 (11.2)
TGs, median (Q1:Q3)	150.0 (106.5:196.0)	128.0 (103.0:185.0)
Lp(a), median (Q1:Q3)	20.0 (6.0:56.0)	20.5 (7.0:58.5)
ApoB	96.9 (20.9)	93.4 (24.7)
ApoA1	146.0 (23.6)	137.1 (26.0)
TRL-C, median (Q1:Q3)	30.0 (21.5:39.0)	26.0 (21.0:37.0)

Abbreviations: ASCVD, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; BMI, body mass index; CKD, chronic kidney disease; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; Q, quartile.

Mild CKD/normal renal function defined as eGFR 60–89/≥90 mL/min/1.73m2; moderate CKD defined as eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73m2.

Individuals could be receiving more than one LLT.

Efficacy analysis

Alirocumab significantly changed LDL-C levels from baseline to W24 by −57.4% (SE, 3.3%) [placebo: +4.2% (SE, 4.5%); P < 0.0001 vs placebo group; Table 3]. The percentage change (SE) in LDL-C from baseline to averaged values from W21 to W24 was −67.9% (2.8%) in the alirocumab group and +0.9% (3.8%) in the placebo group (P < 0.0001 vs placebo group; Table 3). In alirocumab-treated individuals, the LDL-C reductions were observed from W4 and maintained up to W48 (Fig. 1). In the alirocumab group, 18% (n = 16 of 89) of individuals received dose adjustment from 300 mg Q4W to 150 mg Q2W at W12, resulting in similar LDL-C reductions at W24 and W48 in these individuals compared with those continuing to receive 300 mg Q4W throughout the study (Fig. 2). In alirocumab-treated individuals receiving dose adjustment, mean (SD) baseline LDL-C levels were higher [124.1 (42.4) mg/dL] compared with individuals continuing to receive alirocumab 300 mg Q4W [102.1 (25.0) mg/dL]. At W24, 85.9% of participants treated with alirocumab achieved LDL-C <70 mg/dL and non–HDL-C <100 mg/dL (placebo group, 12.5%; Table 4).

Table 3.

Percent Change from Baseline in Lipid Parameters (ITT Population)

Lipid Parameter by Study Week	Alirocumab, Change From Baseline (%) (n = 95)	Placebo, Change From Baseline (%) (n = 50)
W24
Non–HDL-C
LS mean (SE)	−47.9 (2.6)	3.0 (3.5)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−50.9 (4.4)
P value vs placebo	<0.0001
W21–W24
LDL-C
LS mean (SE)	−67.9 (2.8)	0.9 (3.8)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−68.8 (4.7)
P value vs placebo	<0.0001
W24
LDL-C
LS mean (SE)	−57.4 (3.3)	4.2 (4.5)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−61.6 (5.6)
P value vs placebo	<0.0001
Apo B
LS mean (SE)	−43.5 (2.5)	6.2 (3.4)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−49.8 (4.2)
P value vs placebo	<0.0001
TGs
Combined estimate for mean (SE)	−9.7 (3.5)	10.7 (4.8)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−20.4 (6.0)
P value vs placebo	0.0009
HDL-C
LS mean (SE)	2.2 (1.6)	−2.0 (2.1)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	4.1 (2.6)
P value vs placebo	0.1197
Lp(a)
Combined estimate for mean (SE)	−18.7 (3.7)	15.2 (4.9)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−33.9 (6.2)
P value vs placebo	<0.0001
Apo A1
LS mean (SE)	4.8 (1.4)	3.1 (1.9)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	1.6 (2.4)
P value vs placebo	0.4974
TRL-C
Combined estimate for adjusted mean (SE)	−13.7 (2.9)	0.2 (4.0)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−14.0 (5.0)
P value vs placebo	0.0052

Abbreviations: ITT, intention to treat; LS, least squares.

Figure 1.

Mean calculated LDL-C levels over time (on-treatment population). For W24 and 48, absolute (SE) LDL-C values for the alirocumab and placebo groups are presented on the graph. LS, least squares.

Figure 2.

Impact of dosing and frequency adjustment (on-treatment population). For W24 and W48, absolute (SE) LDL-C values for the alirocumab groups are presented on the graph.

Table 4.

Proportion of Individuals Achieving Predefined Lipid Goals at W24 (On-Treatment Population)

	Alirocumab (n = 92)	Placebo (n = 48)
Non–HDL-C <100 mg/dL	83 (90.2)	10 (20.8)
LDL-C <70 mg/dL	80 (87.0)	8 (16.7)
LDL-C <70 mg/dL and non–HDL-C <100 mg/dL	79 (85.9)	6 (12.5)

Data reported as n (%).

The least-squares mean change from baseline to W24 in non–HDL-C was −47.9% (2.6%) with alirocumab vs +3.0% (3.5%) with placebo [50.9% (4.4%) vs placebo; P < 0.0001 vs placebo; Table 3].

From baseline to W24, alirocumab also significantly improved levels of Apo B, TGs, Lp(a), and TRL-C vs placebo (all P ≤ 0.0052; Table 3); no differences were observed in HDL-C or Apo A1 levels between both treatment groups (P > 0.05; Table 3). Subanalyses of percentage change from baseline to W24 according to baseline quartiles for LDL-C and Lp(a) are presented in Table 5.

Table 5.

Subgroup Analysis of Percentage Change From Baseline to W24 According to Baseline Quartiles for LDL-C and Lp(a) (ITT Population)

	Baseline Lipid < Q1a		Q1 ≤ Baseline Lipid < Median		Median ≤ Baseline Lipid < Q3a		Q3 ≤ Baseline Lipid
	Alirocumab	Placebo	Alirocumab	Placebo	Alirocumab	Placebo	Alirocumab	Placebo
LDL-C
No.	17	14	30	11	26	10	22	15
Baseline, mean (SD), mg/dL	72.8 (6.7)	67.7 (6.1)	89.1 (6.1)	89.5 (7.0)	112.8 (6.3)	111.7 (6.5)	148.3 (21.7)	151.7 (20.4)
W24 change from baseline, LS mean (SE), %	−48.2 (8.7)	19.3 (10.0)	−58.6 (4.0)	−3.3 (6.7)	−49.4 (6.5)	10.7 (10.0)	−64.6 (4.5)	−9.5 (5.4)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−67.6 (13.8)		−55.3 (7.8)		−60.1 (11.9)		−55.1 (7.1)
Lp(a)
No.	22	10	22	14	20	12	24	12
Baseline, mean (SD), mg/dL	2.9 (1.5)	2.9 (1.5)	10.9 (4.2)	10.8 (4.2)	35.0 (8.1)	39.4 (13.6)	98.9 (46.6)	107.0 (36.5)
W24 change from baseline, combined estimate for mean (SE), %	−5.3 (7.7)	−3.7 (12.3)	−36.5 (7.6)	26.9 (9.4)	−26.7 (5.8)	26.2 (7.7)	−11.0 (3.6)	5.8 (4.9)
Difference (SE) vs placebo	−1.6 (14.6)		−63.3 (12.1)		−52.9 (9.9)		−16.7 (6.1)

Abbreviations: ITT, intention to treat; LS, least squares; Q, quartile.

Q1, median, and Q3 are quartiles of baseline lipid value.

Safety analysis

In total, 84.4% and 74.0% of individuals with T2DM experienced TEAEs in the alirocumab and placebo groups, respectively (Table 6). Overall, in the alirocumab group, 15.6% of individuals discontinued treatment; in the placebo group, 12.0% discontinued treatment. The most frequent reason for discontinuation was an adverse event (alirocumab: 6.3%; placebo: 4.0%; Table 7). The most common TEAEs were upper respiratory tract infection, injection-site reaction, and urinary tract infection in the alirocumab group; and diarrhea, back pain, nausea, and arthralgia in the placebo group (Table 8). Safety terms of interest and laboratory parameters are presented in Tables 7 and 8, respectively.

Table 6.

Safety Summary (Safety Population)

	Alirocumab (n = 96)	Placebo (n = 50)
TEAEs	81 (84.4)	37 (74.0)
Treatment-emergent SAEs	12 (12.5)	7 (14.0)
TEAEs leading to discontinuation	6 (6.3)	2 (4.0)
TEAEs leading to death	0	0
Laboratory parameters	n = 95	n = 49
ALT >3× ULN	1 (1.1)	0 (0)
AST >3× ULN	1 (1.1)	1 (2.0)
CK >3× ULN	2 (2.1)	4 (8.2)

Data reported as n (%).

Abbreviations: ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; CK, creatine kinase; SAE, serious adverse event; ULN, upper limit of normal.

Table 7.

Reasons for Treatment Discontinuation and Safety Terms of Interest (Safety Population)

	Alirocumab (n = 96)	Placebo (n = 50)
Treatment discontinuation	15 (15.6)	6 (12.0)
Reasons for treatment discontinuation
Adverse event	6 (6.3)	2 (4.0)
Poor compliance to protocol
Protocol became inconvenient to participate	1 (1.0)	0
Life events made continuing too difficult	1 (1.0)	0
Other reasons
Move	1 (1.0)	0
Withdrawal of consent	4 (4.2)	2 (4.0)
≥1 selection criterion not met	1 (1.0)	1 (2.0)
Miscellaneous	1 (1.0)	1 (2.0)
Safety terms of interest
Adjudicated cardiovascular events	3 (3.1)	0
General allergic TEAE	7 (7.3)	6 (12.0)
General allergic serious TEAE (CMQ)	0	1 (2.0)
Neurocognitive disorders	2 (2.1)	0

Data reported as n (%).

Abbreviation: CMQ, Custom Medical Dictionary of Regulatory Activities Query.

Table 8.

TEAEs Occurring in ≥5% of Individuals in Either Treatment Group (Safety Population)

	Alirocumab (n = 96)	Placebo (n = 50)
Upper respiratory tract infection	13 (13.5)	3 (6.0)
Injection-site reaction	9 (9.4)	2 (4.0)
Urinary tract infection	9 (9.4)	2 (4.0)
Nasopharyngitis	6 (6.3)	3 (6.0)
Sinusitis	6 (6.3)	0
Bronchitis	5 (5.2)	1 (2.0)
Back pain	4 (4.2)	4 (8.0)
Diarrhea	3 (3.1)	5 (10.0)
Anemia	3 (3.1)	3 (6.0)
Arthralgia	2 (2.1)	4 (8.0)
Gastroenteritis	2 (2.1)	3 (6.0)
Nausea	2 (2.1)	4 (8.0)
Hypertension	1 (1.0)	3 (6.0)

Data reported as n (%).

Mean (SD) HbA1c baseline levels were 6.9% (0.9%) for alirocumab and 6.9% (0.8%) for placebo, and the mean (SD) absolute change from baseline to W24 was similar regardless of treatment allocation [alirocumab: 0.1% (0.7%); placebo: 0.1% (0.7%)]. Mean (SD) FPG baseline levels were 127.0 (39.3) mg/dL for alirocumab and 136.4 (46.9) mg/dL for placebo. Mean (SD) FPG change from baseline at W24 was 9.0 (50.5) mg/dL in alirocumab-treated individuals and 0.8 (42.2) mg/dL in the placebo group (no significant difference between groups).

Discussion

In individuals with T2DM who required additional LDL-C lowering despite maximally tolerated statin (with or without other LLTs), alirocumab 300 mg Q4W (with possible dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W) significantly reduced levels of LDL-C and non–HDL-C from baseline to W24 (LDL-C: 57.4% reduction in alirocumab group and 4.2% increase in placebo group; non–HDL-C: 47.9% reduction in alirocumab group and 3.0% increase in placebo group). The percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to averaged values from W21 to W24 were −67.9% for alirocumab and +0.9% for placebo. The changes in lipid parameters are consistent with findings from the ODYSSEY DM-INSULIN study (14) and previous pooled analysis of five ODYSSEY phase 3 studies assessing alirocumab at a dose of 75 mg Q2W (with possible dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W) or 150 mg Q2W, including 1054 individuals with T2DM (13) as well as in individuals with T2DM and with or without mixed dyslipidemia who received alirocumab 150 mg Q2W (19). Therefore, the alirocumab dosing regimen of 300 mg Q4W (with possible dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W) may be a convenient alternative to the Q2W dosing regimen for individuals with T2DM.

The variability in LDL-C levels over the 4-week dosing period reflects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alirocumab, with a less pronounced LDL-C lowering effect at 4 weeks after dosing resulting from clearance of alirocumab from the circulation over this period (20). Similar effects were observed in previous studies using Q4W dosing (21, 22).

At W12, 18% of alirocumab-treated individuals received dose adjustment, resulting in similar LDL-C reductions at W24 compared with individuals who continued to receive 300 mg Q4W throughout. Similar results were observed in the overall CHOICE I population receiving alirocumab 300 mg Q4W (with possible dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W) (16).

Several consensus statements and lipid guidelines state it may be reasonable to consider therapy with PCSK9 inhibitors in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or T2DM (with target organ damage or with a major cardiovascular risk factor) who are not adequately treated with maximally tolerated statin therapy (3, 9, 10, 23).

Non–HDL-C <100 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL have been suggested as a target level in several lipid guidelines and consensus statements for individuals with T2DM and at least one cardiovascular risk factor and/or end organ damage (1, 2, 6, 10). In this analysis, 90.2% of alirocumab-treated individuals achieved non–HDL-C levels <100 mg/dL at W24 (20.8% in the placebo group). Furthermore, 85.9% of individuals in the alirocumab group achieved non–HDL-C <100 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL (12.5% in the placebo group).

In this analysis, alirocumab-treated individuals demonstrated a −33.9% change in Lp(a) from baseline to W24 compared with placebo; similar reductions were observed with alirocumab 150 mg Q2W vs placebo (−25.1%) in pooled data analysis of 10 phase 3 ODYSSEY studies (24).

Statin use and gene variants with lifelong lowering of LDL-C levels (whether it is HMG CoA reductase, PCSK9, or NPCIL1) have been associated with an increased risk of T2DM (25–27); however, in this analysis, no clinically relevant effect of alirocumab on glycemic measures was observed, with no significant differences in change from baseline to W24 in HbA1c and FPG levels. These data support previously published subgroup analyses and pooled analyses of alirocumab (28, 29), as well as data on other PCSK9 inhibitors (30, 31). However, to observe long-term effects of PCSK9 inhibitors, longer-term studies including larger study populations are required.

Alirocumab was generally well tolerated and the safety data are consistent with a pooled safety analysis of 14 phase 2 and phase 3 studies (32, 33) of alirocumab in various patient populations (not including CHOICE I), as well as the safety data reported for the overall CHOICE I and DM-INSULIN studies (14, 16).

Limitations of this analysis were the relatively small number of individuals with T2DM. Therefore, this analysis does not allow us to draw any conclusions about the potential effect of the observed LDL-C and non–HDL-C reductions on cardiovascular events. In a post hoc analysis from 10 ODYSSEY studies, alirocumab-induced LDL-C reductions were associated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular events (34). Results of the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study (ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT01663402), including 18,924 patients with postacute coronary syndrome (∼29% of whom had T2DM or T1DM), demonstrated that alirocumab treatment resulted in a lower risk of a composite of death from coronary heart disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization vs placebo (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.93; P < 0.001) (35). In study participants with T2DM or T1DM, alirocumab treatment reduced the overall incidence of major adverse cardiac events by 16% (hazard ratio, 0.84; confidence interval, 0.74 to 0.97; interaction P value of relative risk reduction by glucometabolic status = 0.98) (36). Alirocumab-treated individuals with T2DM or T1DM with recent acute coronary syndrome may achieve a better absolute risk reduction (2.3%) than those with prediabetes (1.2%) or normal glucose levels (1.2%) (36).

The results of this analysis suggest that the alirocumab 300 mg Q4W dosing regimen may provide an additional lipid treatment option to the alirocumab 75 or 150 mg Q2W dosing regimens in individuals with T2DM with high to very high CVD risk who are receiving maximally tolerated statin with or without other LLTs.