Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin 9 Inhibitors.

Angela Pirillo, Alberico Luigi Catapano

Journal: Cardiology clinics 2018;36(2):241-256

PMID: 29609754

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Abstract

High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are directly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing LDL-C levels reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events. Several lipid-lowering approaches are available to achieve the LDL-C levels recommended by current guidelines, statins being the first-line therapy. However, many patients cannot achieve the recommended LDL-C levels with current therapies. The discovery of the role of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) in the regulation of plasma LDL-C levels suggested it as a potential pharmacologic target and led to the development of PCSK9 inhibitors for the management of LDL-C levels.

Address: Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, E. Bassini Hospital, Via M. Gorki, 50, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan 20092, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Milanese, 300, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan 20099, Italy.; IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Milanese, 300, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan 20099, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti, 9, Milan 20133, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2017.12.006