Asia-Pacific Real-World Evolocumab Use, LDL-C Reduction, Physician Goals, and Patient Perceptions: HALES...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Real-world data are crucial for evaluating novel lipid-lowering therapies in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The HALES study investigated evolocumab use in adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or hypercholesterolemia post-approval.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of evolocumab in reducing LDL-C in a real-world Asia-Pacific setting.
• To understand clinical decision-making and patient characteristics associated with evolocumab use.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving chart reviews and physician/patient surveys across 33 sites in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Included patients initiating evolocumab (PCSK9 inhibitor) or non-PCSK9 inhibitor lipid-lowering therapy.

Main Results:

• Initiating evolocumab led to a median LDL-C reduction of 60.8% at 1-6 months in 724 very high-risk patients.
• LDL-C goal achievement increased significantly, with 69.8% reaching <1.8 mmol/L and 57.8% reaching <1.4 mmol/L at 12 months.
• Physicians adhered to guideline targets, but patients showed gaps in understanding cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions:

• Real-world data from the Asia-Pacific region confirm evolocumab's efficacy in reducing LDL-C, consistent with clinical trial findings.
• Evolocumab is an effective option for managing hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular risk in this diverse population.