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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
08:14
A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9
Published on: August 28, 2018
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Are PCSK9 Inhibitors Cost Effective?
Max J Korman1, Kjetil Retterstøl2,3, Ivar Sønbø Kristiansen4
1Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation, Oslo, Norway.
Pharmacoeconomics
|May 20, 2018
Summary
Health economic evaluations show proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are generally not cost-effective at current prices. Lowering drug costs could improve the cost-effectiveness of these cardiovascular risk-reducing therapies.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors effectively lower low-density lipid cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
- The high cost of PCSK9 inhibitors has raised questions about their cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available health economic evaluations of PCSK9 inhibitors.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors compared to standard therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline and Embase for economic evaluations of PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Inclusion of studies analyzing PCSK9 inhibitors against statins, ezetimibe, or other standard treatments.
- Analysis of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) reported in the selected studies.
Main Results:
- Ten full health economic evaluations were identified, with most originating from the United States.
- Nearly all studies reported ICERs exceeding commonly accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds.
- One study from Spain reported favorable cost-effectiveness outcomes.
Conclusions:
- PCSK9 inhibitors are generally not considered cost-effective at their current market prices.
- Future cost-effectiveness may improve with potential price reductions for PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Further economic evaluations are needed as evidence evolves.
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