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Updated: May 10, 2026

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9
Published on: August 28, 2018
The promises of PCSK9 inhibition
Francine Petrides1, Kate Shearston, Mathias Chatelais
1The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Purpose Of Review:
In the past 10 years, the LDL receptor inhibitor proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a validated target for lowering plasma LDL cholesterol levels. Here we review the most recent reports on PCSK9 out of a total of 500 publications published in print or online before March 2013 and indexed on PubMed.
Recent Findings:
All published in 2012, phase I and II clinical trials demonstrate that fully human monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9 dramatically reduce LDL-C and enable patients to reach their target goals, without severe or serious safety issues.
Summary:
This review summarizes the discovery of PCSK9, its original mode of action as a secreted inhibitor of the LDL receptor, as well as its genetic regulation by statins. We then focus on the major results from the 2012 phase I and II PCSK9 inhibitor clinical trials. We also review the recent in-vivo studies demonstrating the potential cardiovascular benefits of long-term PCSK9 inhibition and discuss its potential side-effects.
Insights
Monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors significantly lower LDL cholesterol. Recent clinical trials show PCSK9 inhibition is safe and effective for patients reaching cholesterol goals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a validated target for lowering LDL cholesterol.
- PCSK9 acts as a secreted inhibitor of the LDL receptor.
- Genetic regulation of PCSK9 by statins has been observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review recent reports on PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Summarize discovery and mode of action of PCSK9.
- Focus on Phase I and II clinical trials of PCSK9 inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 500 publications up to March 2013.
- Analysis of Phase I and II clinical trial data from 2012.
- Review of in-vivo studies on long-term PCSK9 inhibition.
Main Results:
- Phase I and II trials in 2012 demonstrated significant LDL-C reduction with PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Patients achieved target LDL-C goals with these therapies.
- No severe or serious safety issues were reported in trials.
Conclusions:
- PCSK9 inhibitors show promise in managing hypercholesterolemia.
- Potential cardiovascular benefits of long-term PCSK9 inhibition warrant further investigation.
- Potential side-effects of PCSK9 inhibition require discussion.
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