SAQ: PCSK9 inhibitors Flashcards
1
Q
What are PCSK9 inhibitors?
A
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Bind and inhibit PCSK9
2
Q
What does PCSK9 do?
A
- LDL binds to LDL-R on surface of hepatocytes
- LDL.LDL-R is endocytosed
- LDL-R can be recycled or degraded and PSCK9 encourages degradation
3
Q
Current Use
A
- Reduces LDL and non-HDL
- Stable/progressive ASCVD
- Hypercholesterolaemia
4
Q
Limitations
A
- PCSK9 inhibitors will not be effective in rare/severe heritable hypercholesterolaemia with absent LDL-R
- Long term effects not known
- > 100X as expensive as atorvastatin
5
Q
Advantage over statins
A
- Rare negative side effects
- Very good safety profile
- Not known to increase diabetes (statins may do)
