Prakt. Lékáren. 2017; 13(3e) [Klin Farmakol Farm. 2016;30(4):11-13]

Monoclonal antibodies in treating high cholesterol levels

Rostislav Večeřa

Ústav farmakologie, Lékařská fakulta Univerzity Palackého, Olomouc

Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is mainly responsible for the recycling receptors for LDL particles. This results in an increasein LDL levels, which then drastically contributes to the development of atherosclerotic changes in vessel wall. This increases cardiovascularmorbidity and mortality. New drugs based on monoclonal antibodies as alirocumab or evolocumab belongs among PCSK9 inhibitors. Theiradministration leads to a dramatic reduction in LDL particles up to 50–60 %. Given that the Czech Republic ranks among the countries withhigh cardiovascular mortality, is introduction of these new drugs in clinical practice one of the key milestones in the treatment of high bloodlipid levels and improve this negative situation.

Keywords: alirocumab, evolocumab, hypercholesterolemia, PCSK9, cholesterol

Received: April 17, 2018; Accepted: July 24, 2018; Prepublished online: July 24, 2018; Published: October 1, 2017  Show citation