Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibitors as Adjunct Therapy to Statins: A New Frontier in Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plasma levels is crucial for the prevention of primary and secondary cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Many patients struggle to obtain goal LDL-C levels, despite the availability of several lipid-lowering medications, because of limited efficaciousness and unfavorable side effects. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) targeting has drawn interest recently as a novel approach to further lower cardiovascular (CV) risk. The number of receptors accessible to remove LDL-C from the bloodstream is reduced when PCSK9 attaches to LDL-C receptors and directs them toward lysosomal destruction. LDL receptor activity is increased by PCSK9 inhibition, which attracts therapeutic intervention. Despite concurrent statin therapy, phase 3 clinical trials have demonstrated encouraging outcomes with monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9, such as evolocumab…