Monoclonal PCSK9 antibodies in the treatment of dyslipidemias

Czech version

Authors: M. Vráblík
Authors‘ workplace: Centrum preventivní kardiologie, 3. interní klinika 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2014, 16(6): 485-488
Category: Cardiology Review

Overview

The use of targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies is not yet the standard care in cardiology. However, this approach seems feasible for a number of reasons (e. g. high therapeutic efficacy, lower potential for drug‑drug interactions, the possibility of alternate dosing). The identification of a novel protein (proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin 9 – PCSK9) grossly impacting on serum LDL‑cholesterol levels led to the preparation of specific monoclonal antibodies blocking its function. This interaction results in a dramatic decrease of LDL‑cholesterol (and other atherogenic lipoproteins) in the serum by 50– 70% above the level achievable by currently available therapies. The safety and efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors is being tested in a large research program of several manufacturers. This new therapeutic option may offer hope for difficult‑ to‑ treat patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or statin intolerance, and, in the future, possibly also for patients at high cardiovascular risk not achieving LDL‑cholesterol targets with currently available therapies.

Keywords:
cardiovascular risk – LDL‑cholesterol – lipid lowering drugs – PCSK9 – monoclonal antibodies

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