Monoclonal PCSK9 antibodies in the treatment of dyslipidemias

Czech version

Authors: M. Vráblík
Authors‘ workplace: Centrum preventivní kardiologie, 3. interní klinika 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2014, 16(6): 485-488
Category: Cardiology Review

Overview

The use of targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies is not yet the standard care in cardiology. However, this approach seems feasible for a number of reasons (e. g. high therapeutic efficacy, lower potential for drug‑drug interactions, the possibility of alternate dosing). The identification of a novel protein (proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin 9 –⁠ PCSK9) grossly impacting on serum LDL‑cholesterol levels led to the preparation of specific monoclonal antibodies blocking its function. This interaction results in a dramatic decrease of LDL‑cholesterol (and other atherogenic lipoproteins) in the serum by 50 –⁠ 70% above the level achievable by currently available therapies. The safety and efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors is being tested in a large research program of several manufacturers. This new therapeutic option may offer hope for difficult ‑⁠ to ‑⁠ treat patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or statin intolerance, and, in the future, possibly also for patients at high cardiovascular risk not achieving LDL‑cholesterol targets with currently available therapies.

Keywords:
cardiovascular risk –⁠ LDL‑cholesterol –⁠ lipid lowering drugs –⁠ PCSK9 –⁠ monoclonal antibodies

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