Current, novel and emerging lipid-lowering therapies in pediatric familial hypercholesterolemia

Over the past decade, pharmacological treatment options for children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have expanded considerably. The recent European Atherosclerosis Society consensus recommends more stringent LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) targets than previously advocated. Consequently, more children with FH are expected to become eligible for novel therapeutic options. This review summarizes established and emerging lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) evaluated in children, focusing on recent and ongoing clinical trials.

Conventional LLT remains the cornerstone of FH treatment, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are approved for pediatric use and achieve significant LDL-C reductions; however, injectable administration and high costs limit their widespread use. Novel oral PCSK9 inhibitors are currently under investigation in clinical trials, and fixed-dose combinations may offer a more practical and cost-effective approach. Additionally, angiopoietin-like protein 3 inhibitors and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors lower LDL-C in dependently of LDL receptor activity, making them particularly suitable for homozygous FH patients.

The management of FH is entering a new therapeutic era. As therapeutic options expand and agents with greater LDL-C reductions become available, personalized treatment strategies will become increasingly important to achieve LDL-C targets and may ultimately shift from stepwise intensification approaches toward early intensive treatment.