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Published on: November 10, 2017
Efficacy of Alirocumab, Evolocumab, and Inclisiran in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia at Increased Cardiovascular
Renata Rajtar-Salwa1, Beata Bobrowska1, Sylwia Socha1
1Clinical Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, University Hospital, Macieja Jakubowskiego 2 Street, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
Insights
New lipid-lowering therapies like alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran significantly reduce LDL-C and total cholesterol. These treatments are effective for patients not reaching targets with standard therapies, showing a favorable safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Many patients do not achieve LDL-C targets despite intensive therapies.
- Novel lipid-lowering agents offer potential solutions for refractory hypercholesterolemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran in reducing lipid levels.
- To assess the efficacy of these agents in patients with high cardiovascular risk or familial hypercholesterolemia.
- To compare lipid reduction across the three novel therapies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 51 patients with elevated LDL-C on maximal therapy was analyzed.
- Patients received alirocumab, evolocumab, or inclisiran.
- Lipid levels and safety parameters were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 15 months.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in LDL-C and total cholesterol were observed at 3 and 15 months (p < 0.001).
- No significant differences in lipid reduction were found between alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran at 3 months.
- The safety profile was favorable, with no adverse cardiovascular events or significant changes in liver or kidney function markers.
Conclusions:
- Alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran are effective in significantly lowering LDL-C and total cholesterol.
- These agents demonstrate a good safety profile, making them viable options for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
- The study supports the use of these novel therapies for achieving lipid targets in high-risk cardiovascular patients.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels is critical for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, yet some patients fail to reach the LDL-C targets despite available intensive lipid-lowering therapies. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety profile of alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran in lipid reduction. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 51 patients (median (Q1-Q3) age: 49.0 (39.5-57.5) years) was analyzed. Eligibility included an LDL-C level > 2.5 mmol/L while on the maximum tolerated dose of statin and ezetimibe, a diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, or a very high risk of cardiovascular diseases following myocardial infarction within 12 months prior to the study. Follow-ups and lab assessments were conducted at baseline (51 patients), 3 months (51 patients), and 15 months (26 patients) after the treatment initiation. Results: Median initial LDL-C levels 4.1 (2.9-5.0) mmol/L, decreasing significantly to 1.1 (0.9-1.6) mmol/L at 3 months and 1.0 (0.7-1.8) mmol/L at 15 months (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol also reduced significantly compared to baseline at both intervals (p < 0.001). No substantial differences in LDL-C or total cholesterol levels were observed between 3- and 15-month observations (p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were noted in cholesterol reduction among the alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran groups at 3 months. The safety profile was favorable, with no reported adverse cardiovascular events or significant changes in alanine transaminase, creatinine, or creatine kinase levels. Conclusions: Alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran notably decreased LDL-C and total cholesterol levels without significant adverse effects, underscoring their potential as effective treatments in patients who do not achieve lipid targets with conventional therapies.
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