Alirocumab: First Global Approval

Alirocumab (Praluent®) is a fully human monoclonal antibody developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi that has been approved in the US as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, who require additional lowering of LDL-C. It specifically binds proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-a down regulator of liver low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptors-thereby increasing the ability of the liver to bind LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and reducing levels of LDL-C in blood. It has been shown to reduce LDL-C levels in patients with hypercholesterolaemia, including HeFH, both as monotherapy and in conjunction with statin therapy. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of alirocumab leading to this first approval.