Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors: Efficacy and Safety in the Treatment of Hypercholesterolaemia

Abstract

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9I) are a new class of medication that has recently arisen to combat hypercholesterolaemia. They are targeted towards patients who are unable to achieve low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol despite maximum statin therapy, as well as those who are unable to tolerate maximum statin therapy due to side effects. Two of these medications were released in the summer of 2015: alirocumab and evolocumab. This article provides an overview of this medication class and analyses the clinical data from the numerous studies and trials conducted on both of these medications for their efficacy and safety outcomes. Data indicate that PCSK9I are both a safe and effective means of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of resistant or otherwise currently unmanaged hypercholesterolaemia patients.