82nd Congress of European Atherosclerosis Society 2014

EAS Madrid: Novel insights into PCSK9 physiological effects

Genetic and mechanistic insights have been the driver for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting PCSK9. However, there remain outstanding questions about the physiological effects of PCSK9. EAS Madrid has provided some important insights. Targets beyond LDL cholesterol? PCSK9 monoclonal antibody therapy has favourable effects…

EAS Madrid: PLIC study highlights variability in PCSK9 levels

Findings from the PLIC (Progression of Lesions in the Intima of the Carotid) study highlight considerable variability in PCSK9 plasma levels among the general population. The PLIC study was designed to verify the presence and progression of atherosclerotic lesions and intima-media thickness (IMT) in the…

Improving the management of the FH patient

Professor Raul Santos from Brazil says that the new therapies which inhibit PCSK9 to significantly reduce low density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) when given in addition to other cholesterol lowering drugs offer a very important advance in reducing cardiovascular risk in people with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH).

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.

ODYSSEY MONO shows alirocumab 75 mg every 2 weeks is effective for LDL-C and PCSK9 lowering

There is consistent evidence that plasma PCSK9 levels correlate with LDL-C levels.1 This report from the ODYSSEY Mono study investigated the relationship between LDL-C, free PCSK9 and alirocumab serum concentrations. About ODYSSEY Mono ODYSSEY MONO is a Phase III randomised, double-blind study comparing the efficacy…

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. The Forum talks to Professor Gerald…

Rationale for TESLA and results

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can be significantly reduced in patients with a serious genetic disorder – homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – when a PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab is added to statins and other lipid-lowering medications. Professor Frederick Raal explains the results of the TESLA study.

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.

Implications from TESLA for FH management

TAUSSIG – Evolocumab in PCSK9 gain of function mutations

EAS Madrid also offered interesting preliminary findings from the ongoing open-label Phase II TAUSSIG study presented at a latebreaking session.1 Data from five patients recruited in Japan were reported.  In these patients, four had both a PCSK9 gain of function mutation and a LDL-R mutation,…

The PCSK9 story continues with TESLA: Evolocumab looks good in HoFH

Treatment with the PCSK9 monoclonal antibody inhibitor evolocumab produced significant LDL-C reduction by 31% at week 12 in patients with homozygous FH (HoFH) receiving intensive statin treatment and other lipid-modifying therapy.  Results were reported at a latebreaking session at EAS 2014 Congress, 31 May-3 June,…