Are PCSK9 inhibitors effective and safe for LDL-C lowering across different patient populations?
This review summarizes evidence that PCSK9 inhibitors are safe and effective for LDL-C lowering across diverse patient populations, including pediatric, elderly, and acute myocardial infarction patients.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been established in cardiovascular risk prevention. The purpose of this review is to summarize the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors across different patient populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Long-term data on the use of evolocumab and alirocumab shows persisting low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering and good tolerability. PCSK9 inhibitors are effective and safe in both sexes, in pediatric patients as well as in the elderly. Initiation of PCSK9 mAb during acute myocardial infarction is safe and leads to beneficial morphological plaque changes. The PCSK9 inhibitors evolocumab, alirocumab and inclisiran lower LDL-C in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), while the response of patients with homozygous FH is heterogeneous. New areas of application beyond lipid lowering are currently investigated. SUMMARY: PCSK9 inhibitors are safe, well tolerated, and effective in primary and secondary prevention in a wide range of patient populations.
Stürzebecher et al. (Wed,) studied this question.