PCSK9 inhibitors beneficial for patients with high lipoprotein(a) levels

PCSK9 inhibitors reduced lipoprotein(a) levels and that patients starting with higher Lp(a) levels appeared to derive greater absolute benefit from taking PSCK9 inhibitors (including Evolocumab), according to the latest analysis from FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk) trial. The results were presented at the 86th Annual Congress of the European Atherosclerosis Society.

Lipoprotein(a) is a type of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and large amounts of data support the link between higher levels of lipoprotein(a) and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Atherosclerosis patients with higher baseline lipoprotein(a) levels have a 26 percent greater risk of coronary death from heart attack than patients with the lowest lipoprotein(a) levels. To date, there have been limited therapies available that can effectively reduce lipoprotein(a) levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

"In addition to its effects for reducing LDL cholesterol, PCSK9 inhibition may emerge as an important option for patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) concentration," said first author O'Donoghue. "We have identified a therapy, evolocumab treatment, that effectively reduces lipoprotein(a) concentration."