[PCSK9 inhibitors: new treatment to lower cholesterol]

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors appear to represent an important development in the management of hypercholesterolemia. US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approved alirocumab and evolocumab, injected drugs administered subcutaneously every 2 or 4 weeks, for patients with hypercholesterolemia, such as those who not reached the cholesterol targets or those with intolerance to statin, especially in secondary prevention or familial hypercholesterolemia. This decision is based on several clinical trials suggesting that these drugs have a powerful effect on levels of LDL-cholesterol with an acceptable safety compared to placebo. Large clinical studies are currently performed to assess the impact of PCSK9 inhibitors on major adverse cardiovascular events in secondary prevention.