scholarly journals Inclisiran—Silencing the Cholesterol, Speaking up the Prognosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2467
Author(s):  
Sylwester Rogula ◽  
Ewelina Błażejowska ◽  
Aleksandra Gąsecka ◽  
Łukasz Szarpak ◽  
Milosz J. Jaguszewski ◽  
...  

The reduction of circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is a primary target in cardiovascular risk reduction due to its well-established benefits in terms of decreased mortality. Despite the use of statin therapy, 10%–20% of high- and very-high-risk patients do not reach their LDL-C targets. There is an urgent need for improved strategies to manage dyslipidemia, especially among patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, but also in patients with established cardiovascular disease who fail to achieve LDL goals despite combined statin, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) therapy. Inclisiran is a disruptive, first-in-class small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutic developed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) synthesis, thereby upregulating the number of LDL receptors on the hepatocytes, thus lowering the plasma LDL-C concentration. Inclisiran decreases the LDL-C levels by over 50% with one dose every 6 months, making it a simple and well-tolerated treatment strategy. In this review, we summarize the general information regarding (i) the role of LDL-C in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, (ii) data regarding the role of PCSK9 in cholesterol metabolism, (iii) pleiotropic effects of PCSK9, and (iv) the effects of PCSK9 silencing. In addition, we focus on inclisiran, in terms of its (i) mechanism of action, (ii) biological efficacy and safety, (iii) results from the ORION trials, (iv) benefits of its combination with statins, and (v) its potential future role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinan Sarsam ◽  
Abeer Berry ◽  
George Degheim ◽  
Robby Singh ◽  
Marcel Zughaib

Objective Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Many patients are intolerant to or have limited benefit from statins. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been approved for treating hyperlipidemia in these patients. We sought to investigate the impact of these medications in a real-world cardiology practice. Methods This was a retrospective study of 17 patients with either heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels above the treatment target despite maximally tolerated statins. Baseline lipid profile was compared with a repeat lipid profile obtained 4 to 6 weeks after initiating treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor. Results The average duration of PCSK9 inhibitor treatment was 10.7 months. Lipid profile comparison showed that total cholesterol decreased from 243 ± 72 to 148 ± 39 (mg/dL) (39% reduction), triglycerides decreased from 185 ± 86 to 149 ± 62 (mg/dL) (19.5% reduction), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 56 ± 20 to 62 ± 26 (mg/dL) (10.7% increase), and LDL-C decreased from 154 ± 30 to 57 ± 32 (mg/dL) (63% reduction) from baseline. Conclusions PCSK9 inhibitors as add-on therapy to maximally tolerated statins resulted in an approximately 63% reduction in LDL-C.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher P Cannon ◽  
James A De Lemos ◽  
Christie M Ballantyne ◽  
Robert S Rosenson ◽  
Shushama Alam ◽  
...  

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) treatment guidelines recommend intensive statin therapy and adding non-statin therapy if LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL. Methods: We designed the GOULD registry to assess lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) over time: At 120 U.S. centers, 5006 ASCVD patients on any (LLT) were enrolled in 1 of 3 cohorts: 1) currently on PCSK9 inhibitor (PCSK9i), 2) no PCSK9i and LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL, and 3) no PCSK9i and LDL-C 70-99 mg/dL. Results: Over the two years, only 16.8% had some type of LLT intensification, In the cohorts of patients with baseline LDL-C ≥ 100 and 70-99 mg/dL, LLT intensification was present in 21.9% and 14.3% respectively: statin dose was intensified in 6.1% and 6.1%, ezetimibe was added in 6.8% and 4.3% and PCSK9i was added in 6.3% and 2.2% respectively. Conversely, out of the total population, statins were discontinued in 246/4275 (5.8%), ezetimibe in 81/535 (15.1%), and PCSK9i in 47/544 (8.6%). At 24 months, 83.7% were on statin (43.4% high-intensity), with 14.2% on ezetimibe. Lipid panels were measured in 73% by 1 year and 84% by 2 years. Among Pts in the LDL-C ≥100 and 70-99 mg/dL cohorts, 18.6% and 30.4% achieved an LDL-C <70 mg/dL by 1 year, with little further change by 2 years: 21.3% and 33.5% respectively. In the PCSK9 cohort, 53.2% had LDL-C<70 mg/dl. Overall, only 31.7% had LDL-C <70 mg/dL at 2 years (an increase from 6.7% at baseline), while 25.0% had LDL-C >100 mg/dL. Conclusion: Of ASCVD patients with suboptimal LDL-C at baseline, even after 2 years of follow up, strikingly only 16% had LLT intensification, and thus most remained uncontrolled. Further intensive efforts are needed to achieve optimal LDL management in patients with ASCVD.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Matteo Ciccone ◽  
Francesca Cortese ◽  
Michele Gesualdo ◽  
Santa Carbonara ◽  
Annapaola Zito ◽  
...  

Cardiovascular disease related to atherosclerosis represents nowadays the largest cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Due to inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis, several studies had been conducted in order to search for substances with anti-inflammatory activity on arterial walls, able to exert beneficial roles on health. Researches investigated the role of dietary carotenoids supplementation on cardiovascular disease, due to their free radicals scavenger properties and their skills in improving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol resistance to oxidation. Nevertheless, literature data are conflicting: although some studies found a positive relationship between carotenoids supplementation and cardiovascular risk reduction, others did not find any positive effects or even prooxidant actions. This paper aimed at defining the role of carotenoids supplementation on cardiovascular risk profile by reviewing literature data, paying attention to those carotenoids more present in our diet (β-carotene,α-carotene,β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin).


F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Shapiro ◽  
Sergio Fazio

Cholesterol-rich, apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins are now widely accepted as the most important causal agents of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Multiple unequivocal and orthogonal lines of evidence all converge on low-density lipoprotein and related particles as being the principal actors in the genesis of atherosclerosis. Here, we review the fundamental role of atherogenic apoB-containing lipoproteins in cardiovascular disease and several other humoral and parietal factors that are required to initiate and maintain arterial degeneration. The biology of foam cells and their interactions with high-density lipoproteins, including cholesterol efflux, are also briefly reviewed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 3828
Author(s):  
Alex Smith ◽  
Drew Johnson ◽  
Joshua Banks ◽  
Scott W. Keith ◽  
Dean G. Karalis

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and cardiovascular event rates, yet due to their high price remain underutilized and difficult to prescribe in clinical practice. In March 2018, their price was significantly reduced. We evaluated whether the price reduction would improve prescribing patterns of PCSK9 inhibitors in eligible patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Methods: We identified the number of eligible ASCVD patients and those prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor for each year between July 2015 and December 2019. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics for those prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor were extracted from their electronic health record. Results: In total 1059 patients of eligible patients received a new prescription for a PCSK9 inhibitor. From 2015 to 2019, the rate of new prescriptions among eligible patients increased from 0.5 to 3.3% (p < 0.001) and continuation rates increased from 18 to 60% (p < 0.001). Following the price reduction, patients who were prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor were younger and more likely to be female, but less likely to have Medicare insurance. Conclusions: Despite the reduction in the cost of PCSK9 inhibitors, most eligible patients are not prescribed one. The reduction in cost has improved adherence, primarily in patients with commercial insurance. Older patients and those on Medicare still face significant barriers in accessing a PCSK9 inhibitor. Further reductions in the price of the PCSK9 inhibitors are needed as is further study of the barriers that exist in prescribing one.


2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (11) ◽  
pp. 1135-1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison B. Reiss ◽  
Neal Shah ◽  
Dalia Muhieddine ◽  
Juan Zhen ◽  
Jennifer Yudkevich ◽  
...  

Dyslipidemia, and specifically elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors. Statins are considered first line therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, statins may not be adequate treatment for elevated circulating LDL levels and are ineffective in certain familial hypercholesterolemias. The discovery of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a regulatory protein that affects LDL receptors, offers a new alternative for these patients. Moreover, gain-of-function PCSK9 mutations were discovered to be the root cause of familial autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia. Inhibition of PSCK9 reduces plasma LDL levels, even in patients for whom statins are ineffective or not tolerated. Alirocumab and evolocumab, human monoclonal antibodies that inhibit PCSK9, have been approved to lower LDL levels. While there are drawbacks to these treatments, including adverse events, administration by subcutaneous injection, and high cost, these drugs are indicated for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and familial hypercholesterolemia as adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy. PCSK9 inhibitors may work synergistically with statins to lower LDL. Novel approaches to PCSK9 inhibition are currently in development with the aim of providing safe and effective treatment options to decrease cardiovascular event burden, ideally at lower cost and with oral bioavailability.


Author(s):  
Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed

Blood lipids are essential for life; at the same time, elevated or reduced levels of some of the components of lipid are related to risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This article provides a review on dietary and blood lipids with their impact on cardiovascular health. The role of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), Lipoprotein(a) ((Lp(a)) and other lipoprotein particles in the development of ASCVD has been reviewed. There are new evidences that ApoB the structural protein of most of the lipoprotein particles (carrier of blood lipids), in addition to low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with increased risk for ASCVD. Elevated levels of Lp(a) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of ASCVD, but it appears to be a weaker risk factor than ApoB or LDL-C.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Fairbairn ◽  
P Oh ◽  
R Goeree ◽  
R.M Rogoza ◽  
M Packalen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Introduction Limited real-world data are available on attainment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment goals in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in Canada. Purpose A retrospective observational study was conducted to describe types of ASCVD events/procedures, time between events and use of lipid lowering treatment (LLT) in patients who did not achieve LDL-C goal. Methods Patients in Ontario ≥65 years with a primary ASCVD event/procedure between 1 Apr 2005 and 31 Mar 2016, treated with an LLT and with index and follow up LDL-C values were identified from claims data at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences data repository. Patients were assessed over a 1-year follow up period for LDL-C goal attainment (&lt;2.0 mmol/L or 50% reduction from index LDL-C) and analysed by LLT and by index event type. Results Overall, 28% of 143,302 patients ≥65 years on LLT failed to attain LDL-C goal at follow up (Figure). The proportion of patients failing to achieve LDL-C goal decreased from 35% to 22% over the 11-year study period. Mean time between index and follow up LDL-C (based on lowest score &gt;2 weeks and up to 1 year after index LDL-C) was 203±97 days. When analysed by low-, moderate- or high-intensity statin, 57%, 30%, and 22% of patients failed to achieve LDL-C goal at follow up, respectively. Conclusions In this study, more than 1 in 4 patients with ASCVD in Ontario failed to achieve guideline recommended LDL-C goal despite treatment. In particular, ∼1 in 3 patients with cerebral and peripheral arterial disease were not at goal. An opportunity exists to better manage these high risk ASCVD patients with further statin intensification and additional LLTs This study made use of de-identified data from the ICES Data Repository, which is managed by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences with support from its funders and partners: Canada's Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), the Ontario SPOR Support Unit, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Government of Ontario. The opinions, results and conclusions reported are those of the authors. No endorsement by ICES or any of its funders or partners is intended or should be inferred. Parts of this material are based on data and/or information compiled and provided by CIHI. However, the analyses, conclusions, opinions and statements expressed in the material are those of the author(s), and not necessarily those of CIHI Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amgen Canada Inc.


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