How do monoclonal antibodies work for cholesterol?

The new drugs, called PCSK9 inhibitors, are monoclonal antibodies. They target and inactivate a specific protein in the liver. Knocking out this protein, called proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9, dramatically reduces the amount of harmful LDL cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.

Is Repatha a monoclonal antibody?

[Evolocumab (Repatha®) : a human monoclonal antibody against PCSK9 protein as potent cholesterol-lowering therapy]

Is PCSK9 inhibitor a monoclonal antibody?

PCSK9 inhibitors: monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Drugs Today (Barc).

What drug is a PCSK9 inhibitor?

PCSK9 inhibitors are a new class of drugs that lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. Right now, there are two FDA-approved medications: alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).

How does Repatha lower cholesterol?

Repatha is administered via a subcutaneous injection under the skin. Once administered it binds to PCSK9 and prevents the circulating PCSK9 from binding to LDL receptors. This increases the amount of LDL receptors available to clear the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol from the blood.

How does PCSK9 inhibitor work?

PCSK9 inhibitors block PCSK9 proteins from breaking down your LDL receptors. The result is that more of your LDL receptors work. These active LDL receptors can then reduce your LDL cholesterol more efficiently.

How does Repatha lower LDL?

How much is Repatha monthly?

The list price for Repatha® is $504.68*,† per month. Most patients do not pay the list price. Your actual cost will vary and will depend on your insurance coverage.

How do PCSK9 drugs work?

When are PCSK9 inhibitors indicated?

In patients with cardiovascular disease at very high risk whose LDL-C level remains ≥70 mg/dL (≥1.8 mmol/L) on a maximally tolerated statin and ezetimibe therapy, adding a PCSK9 inhibitor is reasonable.

How does PCSK9 regulate LDL?

PCSK9 regulates the degradation of the LDL receptor in response to cholesterol concentrations within the cell (Fig. 1). PCSK9 binds to an extracellular part of the LDL receptor. Apolipoprotein-B100, the structural protein of LDL and ligand for the LDL receptor, binds to a different site on the LDL receptor.

How much does PCSK9 lower LDL?

PCSK9 inhibitors are highly efficacious lipid‐lowering drugs, with LDL‐C reductions generally ranging from 50% to 60% in 12‐week interventional studies. Both antibodies targeting PCSK9 have also consistently demonstrated significant (25–30%) reductions in Lp(a) (lipoprotein[a]).