Videos
What’s next in the PCSK9 field: small interference RNA therapeutics
ESC Congress 2015, London, 30th August 2015 There were promising data with the reformulated small interference RNA (siRNA) therapeutic targeting PCSK9 (ALN-PCSsc). The study results indicate potential for a quarterly or even twice-yearly subcutaneous injection regimen. Previously a proof of concept Phase I study showed the…
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Start treatment early: Maximise benefit
FH is the most common inherited disease in the world – affecting about 30 million people worldwide – of whom only about 1% have been diagnosed. Therefore, it is critically important there is a global effort to start treatment early to prevent children ever developing…
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Dutch experience – Improving detection and care
In Europe, the Netherlands has proved that a concerted and integrated effort delivers effective detection of families at risk through cascade screening combined with early treatment – including considering statin therapy – in children the prognosis of people with FH is being significantly improved. Dr…
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How will PCSK9 inhibitors be used in practice?
Professor Steven Nicholls, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Adelaide and the inaugural SAHMRI Heart Foundation Heart Health Theme Leader at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia, discusses the patients in whom these new treatments will be used initially and speculates…
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New cholesterol lowering drugs in news
The new PCSK9 inhibitors – drugs which reduce LDL-Cholesterol to previously manageable levels – are being reviewed by regulatory authorities worldwide. Why are they creating so much interest? Professor Philip Barter, President of the International Atherosclerosis Society comments.
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Consider FH in young heart attack patients
New data from EUROASPIRE IV shows that about one in 12 heart attack patients have probable familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH, inherited high cholesterol). FH prevalence was even higher in those aged <50 years, affecting one in 5 patients. FH is a common inherited hypercholesterolaemia, with heterozygous…
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Making premature CHD history
Dr Samuel Gidding discusses how treating children with FH early can make premature CHD history
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How to identify children with FH
Dr Samuel Gidding discusses how to identify children with FH
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Safety of lowering LDL-C
Dr Albert Wiegman discusses the safety of lowering LDL C in FH children
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EAS Consensus Panel on Paediatric FH
Dr Raul Santos discusses the EAS Consensus Panel statement on FH in children – Spanish Dr Raul Santos discusses the EAS Consensus Panel statement on FH in children – Portuguese
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ISA 2015: Evolocumab in TAUSSIG homozygous FH cohort
News from one of the largest cohort of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH, inherited high cholesterol) in the TAUSSIG (Trial Assessing Long-Term Use of PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Genetic LDL Disorders) study strengthens the data for evolocumab.1 In 100 patients with homozygous FH,…
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New era in cholesterol-lowering? PCSK9 inhibitors soon available?
European authority (CHMP) has recommended regulatory approval of the first PCSK9 inhibitor, opening the way to a new era of lowering LDL-cholesterol treatment for people with a high risk of heart attacks and strokes. The importance of this development and possible implications for patients with…
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ISA 2015: EAS Consensus Panel publishes Position Statement on Paediatric Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
The European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Consensus Panel has today published a new position paper aiming to raise awareness of the urgent need to identify and treat children with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) early. The EAS Consensus Panel position paper also provides clinical guidance for the diagnosis…
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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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FH issues in low to middle income regions
Despite the availability of statins, treatment of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a significant issue with a high unmet need in a middle-income country, according to Dr Dirk Blom of Cape Town, South Africa. As a result, new novel therapies are urgently needed.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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