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A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes
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Focus on alirocumab: A PCSK9 antibody to treat hypercholesterolemia

Fiorella Devito1, Annapaola Zito1, Gabriella Ricci1

  • 1Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.

Pharmacological Research
|October 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

New lipid-lowering therapies like alirocumab offer alternatives for patients unable to reach cholesterol goals with statins. This antibody targets PCSK9, reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Statin therapy is the primary treatment for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and reducing cardiovascular risk.
  • Some patients do not achieve target LDL-C levels or experience adverse events with statins, necessitating alternative treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alirocumab, a novel lipid-modifying agent, in managing cholesterol levels.
  • To assess the long-term impact of alirocumab on cardiovascular risk in diverse patient populations.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical trials investigating alirocumab's effects on plasma lipid levels.
  • Studies assessing cardiovascular outcomes in patients treated with alirocumab.
  • Evaluation of alirocumab's mechanism of action involving PCSK9 inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Alirocumab significantly reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
  • Long-term studies demonstrate sustained LDL-C reduction and potential cardiovascular benefits.
  • Alirocumab is generally well-tolerated, offering an alternative for statin-intolerant or non-responsive patients.

Conclusions:

  • Alirocumab represents a significant advancement in lipid-lowering therapy.
  • It provides an effective option for patients requiring additional LDL-C reduction beyond statins.
  • Further research continues to define its role in comprehensive cardiovascular risk management.

Keywords:
AlirocumabCardiovascular riskHypercholesterolemiaLow-density lipoprotein cholesterolMonoclonal antibodyPCSK9Statin

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