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Updated: Jun 23, 2025

A High-Throughput Luciferase Assay to Evaluate Proteolysis of the Single-Turnover Protease PCSK9
Published on: August 28, 2018
Optimizing PCSK9 Inhibitor Integration for Cardiovascular Disease Management in Pakistan.
Muddassir Syed Saleem1, Shahzaib Samad2, Syed Shahmeer Ahmed1
1Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan.
High-cost PCSK9 inhibitors offer cardiovascular benefits but face access barriers in Pakistan due to resource limitations. Solutions require multi-stakeholder collaboration for affordability and equitable access to these vital treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), represent a significant global health challenge with increasing prevalence in Pakistan.
- While PCSK9 inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, traditional treatments remain crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the challenges in accessing PCSK9 inhibitors in Pakistan, considering financial constraints and limited healthcare resources.
- To highlight the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure affordability and equitable access to PCSK9 inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature and health economic data pertaining to PCSK9 inhibitor access in low-resource settings.
- It analyzes the impact of high drug costs on patient accessibility within the Pakistani healthcare system.
Main Results:
- Access to PCSK9 inhibitors in Pakistan is severely restricted by their high cost, exacerbating existing healthcare resource limitations.
- Significant financial and logistical hurdles prevent widespread adoption of these advanced therapies.
Conclusions:
- Urgent, collaborative efforts involving government, the healthcare sector, and pharmaceutical companies are necessary to address the affordability and accessibility of PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Further research specific to Pakistan and integration into standard treatment protocols are essential for improving cardiovascular care.
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