News

Understanding the role of PCSK9 in dyslipidaemia

EAS Consensus Panel focuses on homozygous FH

As a follow-up to the 2013 EAS Position Statement on FH,1 this new position paper specifically focuses on homozygous FH. This rare disease is characterised by markedly elevated circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and accelerated, premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.  Due to the severity…

The role of PCSK9 inhibitors in FH

Monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9 have been shown to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 30-40% in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) who still have LDL receptors. Studies also show that the investigational drug, evolocumab was well tolerated, Dr Dirk Blom said.

ACC 2014 RUTHERFORD-2: Evolocumab in heterozygous FH

Despite potent statin therapy, and the use of additional lipid-lowering treatment, most patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) fail to achieve LDL-C targets. Previously the RUTHERFORD study showed that AMG 145 (evolocumab) administered every 4 weeks resulted in substantial reductions in LDL-C in this patient…

Predicting the PCSK9 response to statin treatment

Targeted next generation sequencing improves FH diagnosis

ACC 2014 Alirocumab: One-year data in heterozygous FH

Treatment with the PCSK9 monoclonal antibody alirocumab 150 mg every 2 weeks, in addition to statin±ezetimibe,  resulted in substantial LDL-C reductions in patients with heterozygous FH, consistent with phase II trial data, which were sustained over 12 months. These data extend the evidence for the…

JUPITER Lp(a) analysis and residual CV risk

This analysis from the JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) in individuals with low LDL cholesterol and elevated high-sensivity C-reactive protein levels suggests that elevated Lp(a) is a contributor to lipid-related residual CV risk. The study…

New ACC/AHA guidelines for cholesterol management: View from the Editors