Alirocumab in Combination with Statins for CVD Risk Reduction: An Evidential Review

Abstract

Cardiovascular disorders have been one of the mainstay causes for the estimated rise in the incidences of mortality. In earlier times, treatment approach was initiated with statin therapy even though there were high reports of adverse events and failure to attain the target lipid concentration. In 2003, Proprotein Convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 was found to be responsible for the degradation and inactivation of LDL receptors. Ever since the concept was introduced, many researches have been conducted in this field for a better control in lipid management. Alirocumab was approved by FDA in the year 2015 as a PCSK9 inhibitor indicated for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The purpose of this review is to compile the available information on the LDL-C reduction capacity of Alirocumab in combination with statins and simultaneous cardiovascular risk reduction. It also aims at providing an evidential safety data associated with Alirocumab use. Alirocumab is presently available in doses of 75 and 150mg subcutaneous injections once every two weeks. It is a monoclonal antibody directed against PCSK9 and evidential data provides an estimate of about 54% reduction in LDL-C concentrations. The application of Alirocumab as add on therapy to statins is the area of interest and the data suggests that there is a significant higher rate of LDL-C reductions in turn leading to a noteworthy cardiovascular risk reduction. However the appropriate dose of statins to incorporate a PCSK9 inhibitor requires further hypotheses. Additionally the safety profile of Alirocumab was found to be comparable with placebo or the control.