Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 enzyme inhibitors: An emerging new therapeutic option for the treatment of dyslipidemia

Abstract

The treatment of hypercholesterolemia entered in a new phase of development with the introduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in the market. The Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency recently approved the alirocumab and evolocumab, subcutaneously injectable monoclonal antibody every 2 or 4 weeks against PCSK9, for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in patients with intolerance or inadequate response to statins, especially for the secondary prevention or in the case of familial hypercholesterolemia. This decision is based on several clinical trials demonstrating that inhibitors of PCSK9 lower the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to placebo while studies are underway to assess their role in secondary prevention of major cardiovascular events.