PCSK9 inhibitors in clinical practice: Delivering on the promise?

In clinical trials, protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors robustly lowered LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) and had a favorable tolerability and safety profile. Based on these findings, PCSK9 inhibitors are incorporated in updates of clinical treatment guidelines. However, trial results do not necessarily predict the effectiveness under real-world conditions. The aim of the current study is to determine the efficacy and tolerability of PCSK9 inhibitors in routine outpatient care.

The cohort comprised all patients who were prescribed evolocumab or alirocumab at the outpatient clinic of a large university hospital in the Netherlands. Eligible patients required additional lipid-lowering despite maximally tolerated statin therapy and ezetimibe, or were statin intolerant. Data were systematically collected during routine outpatient visits.

The study included 238 patients of whom 67.2% had familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and 42.9% were statin intolerant. The mean LDL-c reduction was 55.0% from a baseline of 4.4 mmol/L. LDL-c goals were attained by 62.3% of patients. Side effects were reported by 15.5% of patients and 2.5% discontinued treatment. No meaningful differences in efficacy or tolerability were observed between patients with FH or statin intolerance, or across treatment regimens.

The observed lipid reductions and side effects profile of PCSK9 inhibitors in a routine care setting were comparable to observations in clinical trials.