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Alirocumab for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering

    Eli M Roth

    *Author for correspondence: Tel.: +1 513 604 2360;

    E-mail Address: eroth@sterlingresearch.org

    President, Sterling Research Group & Clinical Professor, Division of Cardiovascular Health & Disease, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45219–513, USA

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/fca-2018-0072

    Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in the world currently. Both of these conditions are primarily caused by atherosclerosis, the underlying pathophysiology of which is the deposition of lipid, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) within the arterial bed. PCSK9, is a proteolytic enzyme, which indirectly increases LDL-C levels by causing the destruction of LDL receptors, the main way that humans regulate their serum LDL-C levels. Inhibitors of PCSK9 in conjunction with statins have allowed achievement of very low LDL-C levels. This review will provide an in-depth efficacy and safety review of alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of PCSK9, including the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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