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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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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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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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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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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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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ODYSSEY FHI FHII
Fewer than 80% of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) patients achieved an LDL-C level of
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ODYSSEY trials at ESC Congress Hotline
ESC Congress 2014: Lipids Hotline: ODYSSEY TRIALS Prof Alberto Zambon, University of Padua, Italy discusses the four ODYSSEY trials with the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab presented at ESC Congress Hotline Sunday. Addition of a new investigational agent – Alirocumab – to high doses of statins result…
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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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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…
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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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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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What are the current unmet needs?
Despite statins, there are significantly unmet clinical needs in cholesterol lowering treatment. Statin do not effectively treat more than 50% of people with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and other patients have intolerable side effects, says Professor Erik Stroes.
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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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