[PCSK9 inhibition--A new era in cholesterol treatment]

The discovery of PCSK9 and its function in liver homeostasis has led to new therapeutic possibilities for blood cholesterol lowering. Three monoclonal antibodies are under clinical investigation in Sweden and internationally. Subcutaneous injections of the substance with 2 to 4 weeks interval decrease LDL cholesterol by 60 to 70 percent. Side effects are few. Special target groups for therapy should be patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia, who do not reach treatment targets on conventional statin therapy and statin intolerant patients. The treatment may result in subphysiological LDL cholesterol levels. Special programs have been developed for monitoring potential risks with very low LDL cholesterol levels. All three PCSK9 inhibitors are presently undergoing interventional studies with hard clinical endpoints. The first PCSK9 inhibitor is supposed to reach the market in 2015.