Title: Alirocumab and Dyslipidemia: Heralding a New Therapeutic Era

Authors: Dr Rekha Mehani, Dr Ajay Shukla, Dr V. K. Yadav, Dr Rajnish Sankadia, Dr Rimjhim Sahu

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i1.51

Abstract

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has been an insurmountable challenge for a clinician. The prevalence of CVDs has been consistently increasing. There is indisputable evidence that Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) is a principal driver of ASCVD thus LDLc reduction is important to reduce risk of CVDs. LDLc reduction is critically related to improved plaque stability and reduction of atheroma volume. Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), the primary driver of atherosclerosisis, is the key target for intervention for prevention of CVDs. Yet, despite best treatment by statins which are the first line drugs for the treatment of dyslipidemia, inadequate LDLc reduction can be problematic in high risk patients. PCSK9 antibody, alirocumab was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. The addition of alirocumab to statin or any other lipid lowering drug results in clinically significant as well as sustained LDLc reduction with fewer side effects in patients with suboptimal LDLc lowering. Thus, Based on its novel mechanism of action, aliorcumab can be very instrumental for filling the lacuna in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Keywords: Alirocumab, Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9, PCSK9 inhibitors.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Ajay Shukla

Asst. Professor, Dept of Pharmacology, AIIMS Bhopal INDIA

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