Videos
Does PCSK9 inhibition impact atherosclerosis?
Research shows that progression of atherosclerosis – narrowing of the coronaries due to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) – may be reduced if statins are combined with new PCSK9 inhibitors. This could prevent heart attacks according to one of the trialists, Professor Steve Nicholls from…
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Loss of function mutations in PCSK9: the trigger for therapeutic development
Studies of mutations of PCSK9 function have identified a new therapeutic target for reducing very high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Professor Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen describes this opportunity.
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Does PCSK9 have effects beyond the liver and if so, what is the evidence?
Laboratory research conducted in France shows that PCSK9 may have effects beyond its primary action in the liver, where its inhibition significantly lowers low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). These studies also provide reassuring data about the probable safety of these new therapies, Professor Bertrand Cariou…
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Familial hypercholesterolaemia: putting the patient first
Patients and their families must be proactively involved in the identification and treatment of people with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – a group whose severely raised low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) puts them at a very high risk of premature death. Founder and CEO of the…
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Overlap between HoFH and severe FH and implications for evolocumab
The implications of the overlap between homozygous hypercholesterolaemia and severe familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – two genetic disorders characterised by very high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) – should be considered when selecting treatment. Professor Frederick Raal discusses the issue.
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Implications from TESLA for FH management
The investigational PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab, promises to be an important new treatment for a rare but serious genetic disorder, homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, according to one of the investigators in the TESLA study, Professor Frederick Raal.
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Implications from TESLA and early TAUSSIG studies with evolocumab
Results of clinical trials of the investigational therapy – evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor will potentially change care of patients at a high risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attacks), by reducing their very high low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
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The role of PCSK9 inhibitors in FH
The low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering effects of evolocumab, a new PCSK9 inhibitor, in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) are very encouraging, Dr Dirk Blom, University of Cape Town says. This will be very important in countries such as South Africa.
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What are the gaps in knowledge about the PCSK9 inhibitors
Large clinical studies of innovative monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9 to significantly reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Professor Evan Stein predicts the therapies will be on the market in 2015.
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Do the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies have neurocognitive effects
There is reassuring evidence of the neurocognitive safety of the monoclonal antibodies developed to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by targeting PCSK9, Professor Frederick Raal discusses this topic.
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Will the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies replace other lipid lowering treatment used with statins
Where will the new PCSK9 inhibitors fit into the treatment of people whose raised low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) puts them at high risk of cardiovascular disease? Leading researcher, Professor Frederick Raal discusses this important question.
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New ACC/AHA guidelines for cholesterol management: View from the Editors
Should low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets have been dropped from guidelines? Probably not argues Professor Henry Ginsberg, Co-editor of the PCSK9 Forum.
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LDL-C: how low should clinicians aim for?
Trials with monoclonal antibodies – PCSK9 inhibitors – will answer the question of how far should low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) be reduced?
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Lowering LDL-C: How low and for how long?
Treatment to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) should be started in teenage years in people with very high risk of cardiovascular death or events e.g. heart attacks. There is substantial evidence showing significant benefits if LDL-C is reduced by about 50%, Professor Evan Stein…
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Why is it critical to target children with FH?
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common genetic disorder in the world. People with FH have high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) resulting in a high risk of premature and sudden death. Now early diagnosis and treatment can save lives, says Dr Albert…
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Professor Gerald Watts discusses the 10 countries project in FH
The International Atherosclerosis Society has begun a study in Asia and the Pacific Rim to provide the first comprehensive investigation of the worlds commonest genetic disorder, familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in the region. FH results in very high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and…
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Unmet needs in children with FH
Identification and treatment to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of children with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is vital to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in early adulthood. FH is the most common genetic disorder in the world. Parents and healthcare professionals need to be…
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ODYSSEY long term
Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was reduced by 60% in patients treated an investigational PCSK9 inhibitor, Alirocumab in addition to statin therapy, for about 52 weeks in the ODYSSEY study. The lead investigator, Professor Jennifer Robinson discusses how this was translated into a reduction in…
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ODYSSEY FH and patient unmet needs
Less than 1% of people with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the commonest genetic disorder in the world are diagnosed. As FH patients have significantly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) their consequent risk of cardiovascular death is greatly increased. Therefore, the results of the ODYSSEY…
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Take home messages from ACC2014
Results of studies presented in 2014, show that PCSK9 inhibitors: 1) very effectively reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); and 2) show consistently predictable safety profiles. The positive results of short-term studies are now being reported in longer terms and larger clinical studies, Dr Evan…
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