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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9
Published on: August 28, 2018
Update of Clinical Trials of Anti-PCSK9 Antibodies
Na-Qiong Wu1, Sha Li, Jian-Jun Li
1Division of Dyslipidemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 167 BeiLiShi Road, Beijing, 100037, China.
Insights
Monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) show promise for managing hyperlipidemia and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. These therapies offer significant lipid-lowering effects, addressing residual risks in patients with atherosclerotic CVD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Statins and other lipid-lowering agents are used, but residual risks persist in atherosclerotic CVD patients.
- Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and clinical trial results of monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9.
- To discuss the application of PCSK9 inhibitors in managing dyslipidemia and cardiovascular outcomes.
- To analyze the effects of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies on lipid profiles.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical trial data on PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies.
- Analysis of pharmacological strategies for PCSK9 inhibition.
- Evaluation of lipid-lowering efficacy and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9 are a promising strategy for lipid management.
- These antibodies demonstrate significant LDL-C reduction as monotherapy and in combination therapies.
- Clinical trials support the application of PCSK9 inhibitors for improving lipoprotein profiles.
Conclusions:
- PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies represent a significant advancement in treating dyslipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk.
- Targeting PCSK9 offers a novel approach to address residual cardiovascular risk in patients with atherosclerotic disease.
- Further research and clinical application of PCSK9 inhibitors are warranted.
Abstract:
Hyperlipidemia is a predominant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins have been successfully used to treat patients with dyslipidemia and decrease the events of CVD in addition to application of various other non-statin-lowering cholesterol agents, such as ezetimibe and niacin. However, there are still residual risks in patients with atherosclerotic CVD. Recently, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which was first identified in 2003, has been suggested to play an important role in the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). PCSK9 degrades the LDL-receptor, which may be pharmacologically targeted to improve the lipoprotein profile and future cardiovascular outcomes in patients with dyslipidemia. Several approaches to inhibiting PCSK9 activity have been theoretically proposed. Among them, monoclonal antibodies have been considered as the most promising strategy because of their large effect on lowering lipids as monotherapy and in combination with statins or ezetimibe. In this review, we mainly focus on the current status of monoclonal antibodies of PCSK9 and clinical trial results for an update on clinical application of monoclonal antibodies of PCSK9. The particular effects of monoclonal antibodies of PCSK9 on lipid profiles are also discussed.
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