Evolocumab - New Drug to Lower ‘LDL' Cholesterol:

 Dr.Naina Mohamed Pakkir Maideen

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Evolocumab is a "human monoclonal antibody".

—  It is an inhibitor of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9).

—  PCSK9 is produced by liver and is a regulatory protein which targets LDL receptors for degradation. Hence, LDL receptors would be least available to remove LDL-C (Bad cholesterol), from the blood.

—  Inhibition of PCSK9 increases the number of LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells which leads to reduction of LDL levels in the bloodstream.

—  According to the results of a global trial, Evolocumab can further knock down cholesterol levels in people who take cholesterol-busting statin medications.

—  Evolocumab will be mostly helpful in treating people with a genetic disorder that causes them to have high cholesterol and the people with high cholesterol who can't take large doses of statins.

—  It is a very specific antibody and it seems to be very well-tolerated without any drug interactions or any side effects.

—  Evolocumab is under evaluation and once it gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, the drug will be expensive.