Evolocumab for LDL Cholesterol Reduction in Statin-Treated Patients

Medidr_jennifer_robinsoncalResearch.com Interview with:
Jennifer G. Robinson, MD, MPH
Professor ,Departments of Epidemiology & Medicine
Director, Prevention Intervention Center
Department of Epidemiology
College of Public Health
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242-2007

MedicalResearch: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Robinson: The PCSK9 antibody, evolocumab, reduced LDL (or bad) cholesterol by about 65-70% regardless of the dose or type of statin used. This is a greater percentage reduction than ezetimibe, another drug used to lower LDL cholesterol in statin-treated patients, which lowered LDL cholesterol 15-20%. Side effects of evolocumab were similar to those for ezetimibe or placebo.

MedicalResearch:  What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Robinson: The PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab may provide another option for additional LDL cholesterol lowering in statin-treated patients.

MedicalResearch:  What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Robinson: Ongoing trials are evaluating whether PCSK-9 antibodies, including evolocumab, will further reduce heart attack and strokes in patients on maximum statin therapy.

Citation:

Last Updated on May 14, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD