Targeting PCSK9 for therapeutic gains

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2015 Apr;17(4):499. doi: 10.1007/s11883-015-0499-4.

Abstract

Even though it is only a little over a decade from the discovery of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) as a plasma protein that associates with both hypercholesterolemia and low cholesterol syndromes, a rich literature has developed describing its unique physiology and the impact of antagonism of this molecule on cholesterol metabolism for therapeutic purposes. Indeed, the PCSK9 story is unfolding rapidly, with many answers and more questions. This review summarizes the most recent data from phase II/III clinical trials of PCSK9 inhibition with the three leading antibodies, highlights the clinical significance of the ongoing studies, and suggests future areas of investigation based on recent basic science discoveries on the physiology of PCSK9.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / metabolism
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy
  • Dyslipidemias / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Serine Endopeptidases

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • bococizumab
  • PCSK9 protein, human
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • evolocumab
  • alirocumab