Cardiovascular Efficacy and Safety of Bococizumab in High-Risk Patients

PCSK9 in context: A contemporary review of an important biological target for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

The identification of the critical role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has rapidly led to the development of PCSK9 inhibition with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). PCSK9 mAbs are already in limited clinical use and are the subject of major cardiovascular outcomes trials, which, if universally positive, could see much wider clinical application of these agents. Patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia are the most obvious candidates for these drugs, but other patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, statin intolerance or hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) may also benefit. PCSK9 mAbs, administered once or twice monthly, reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 50% to 70%, and appear to be safe and acceptable to patients over at least 2 years of treatment; however, treatment-emergent adverse effects are not always identified in clinical trials, as well-evidenced by statin myopathy. Inclisiran is a promising RNA-based therapy that promotes the degradation of PCSK9 mRNA transcripts and has similar efficacy to mAbs, but with a much longer duration of action. The cost-effectiveness and long-term safety of therapies targeted at inhibiting PCSK9 remain to be demonstrated if they are to be used widely in coronary prevention.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibitors and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Over 96,000 Patient-Years

OBJECTIVE

Like mutations with loss of function in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene, inhibitors of PCSK9 (PCSK9i) may potentially favor the manifestation of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A meta-analysis of phase 2/3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessed PCSK9i versus placebo in the primary hypercholesterolemia setting. Statins and ezetimibe were used in 98.4% of these studies and balanced between PCSK9i and placebo. We calculated relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs using random- and fixed-effect models.

RESULTS

We included 68,123 participants (20 RCTs) with median follow-up of 78 weeks. PCSK9i increased fasting blood glucose (weighted mean difference 1.88 mg/dL [95% CI 0.91-2.68]; I² = 0%; P < 0.001) and HbA_1c (0.032% [0.011-0.050]; I² = 15.5%; P < 0.001) when compared with placebo. This effect was not sufficient to increase incidence of diabetes (RR 1.04 [0.96-1.13]; I² = 0%; P = 0.427). Exploratory meta-regression analyses indicated an association between the increased risk of diabetes and the potency (P = 0.029) and duration (P = 0.026) of PCSK9i treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In the short term, PCSK9i therapy favors a small but significant increase in plasma glycemia and HbA_1c.

Disconnect Between Genes Associated With Ischemic Heart Disease and Targets of Ischemic Heart Disease Treatments

Background

Development of pharmacological treatments to mitigate ischemic heart disease (IHD) has encompassed disappointing results and expensive failures, which has discouraged investment in new approaches to prevention and control. New treatments are most likely to be successful if they act on genetically validated targets. We assessed whether existing pharmacological treatments for IHD reduction are acting on genetically validated targets and whether all such targets for IHD are currently being exploited.

Methods

Genes associated with IHD were obtained from the loci of single nucleotide polymorphisms reported in either of two recent genome wide association studies supplemented by a gene-based analysis (accounting for linkage disequilibrium) of CARDIoGRAMplusC4D 1000 Genomes, a large IHD case (n = 60,801)-control (n = 123,504) study. Treatments targeting the products of these IHD genes and genes with products targeted by current IHD treatments were obtained from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Drugbank. Cohen's kappa was used to assess agreement.

Results

We identified 173 autosomal genes associated with IHD and 236 autosomal genes with products targeted by current IHD treatments, only 8 genes (PCSK9, EDNRA, PLG, LPL, CXCL12, LRP1, CETP and ADORA2A) overlapped, i.e. were both associated with IHD and had products targeted by current IHD treatments. The Cohen's kappa was 0.03. Interventions related to another 29 IHD genes exist, including dietary factors, environmental exposures and existing treatments for other indications.

Conclusions

Closer alignment of IHD treatments with genetically validated physiological targets may represent a major opportunity for combating a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality through repurposing existing interventions.

•

Pharmacological treatments for ischemic heart disease (IHD) target < 5% (8/173) of genes strongly predicting IHD.

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Treatments or nutraceuticals targeting products of another 17% (29/173) of genes strongly predicting IHD exist.

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Repurposing represents a major opportunity to prevent and treat a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality.

Development of drugs to mitigate ischemic heart disease, a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, has stalled. We examined the relation between the physiological targets of current drugs for ischemic heart disease and the genetic predictors of ischemic heart disease. We found little correspondence between the genes with products targeted by current ischemic heart disease drugs and the genes associated with ischemic heart disease, but found several drugs for other purposes relevant to ischemic heart disease genes. Refocusing ischemic heart disease drug development on genetically valid targets and repurposing existing drugs represents a major opportunity to improve population health.

Relationship of C-reactive protein reduction to cardiovascular event reduction following treatment with canakinumab: a secondary analysis from the CANTOS randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Canakinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β, reduces inflammation and cardiovascular event rates with no effect on lipid concentrations. However, it is uncertain which patient groups benefit the most from treatment and whether reductions in the inflammatory biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) correlate with clinical benefits for individual patients.

METHODS

The Canakinumab Anti-Inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study (CANTOS) used computer-generated codes to randomly allocate 10 061 men and women with a history of myocardial infarction to placebo or one of three doses of canakinumab (50 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg) given subcutaneously once every 3 months. In a prespecified secondary analysis designed to address the relationship of hsCRP reduction to event reduction in CANTOS, we evaluated the effects of canakinumab on rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality according to on-treatment concentrations of hsCRP. We used multivariable modelling to adjust for baseline factors associated with achieved hsCRP and multiple sensitivity analyses to address the magnitude of residual confounding. The median follow-up was 3·7 years. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01327846.

FINDINGS

Baseline clinical characteristics did not define patient groups with greater or lesser cardiovascular benefits when treated with canakinumab. However, trial participants allocated to canakinumab who achieved hsCRP concentrations less than 2 mg/L had a 25% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (multivariable adjusted hazard ratio [HR^adj]=0·75, 95% CI 0·66-0·85, p<0·0001), whereas no significant benefit was observed among those with on-treatment hsCRP concentrations of 2 mg/L or above (HR^adj=0·90, 0·79-1·02, p=0·11). For those treated with canakinumab who achieved on-treatment hsCRP concentrations less than 2 mg/L, cardiovascular mortality (HR^adj=0·69, 95% CI 0·56-0·85, p=0·0004) and all-cause mortality (HR^adj=0·69, 0·58-0·81, p<0·0001) were both reduced by 31%, whereas no significant reduction in these endpoints was observed among those treated with canakinumab who achieved hsCRP concentrations of 2 mg/L or above. Similar differential effects were found in analyses of the trial prespecified secondary cardiovascular endpoint (which additionally included hospitalisation for unstable angina requiring unplanned revascularisation) and in sensitivity analyses alternatively based on median reductions in hsCRP, on 50% or greater reductions in hsCRP, on the median percent reduction in hsCRP, in dose-specific analyses, and in analyses using a causal inference approach to estimate the effect of treatment among individuals who would achieve a targeted hsCRP concentration.

INTERPRETATION

The magnitude of hsCRP reduction following a single dose of canakinumab might provide a simple clinical method to identify individuals most likely to accrue the largest benefit from continued treatment. These data further suggest that lower is better for inflammation reduction with canakinumab.

FUNDING

Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

The influence of NAFLD on the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in developed countries and is associated with obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases are also highly prevalent in this group of patients, due to the presence of shared risk factors. The incidences of coronary artery calcification, hypertension, aortic valve sclerosis, diastolic dysfunction, atherosclerotic plaques, and increased carotid intima-media thickness were more common in patients with NAFLD than in those without. The present paper reviews the medical literature concerning the association between NAFLD and cardiovascular events.

Role of dual lipid-lowering therapy in coronary atherosclerosis regression: Evidence from recent studies

Despite recent therapeutic advances, there is an unmet need in cardiovascular disease prevention. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have established that LDL-C lowering, particularly by statin therapy, reduces the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and the risk of coronary events. Insufficient LDL-C reduction and high residual risk in a significant proportion of statin-treated patients signify that additional therapies are required to deliver more effective coronary care. Pharmacological inhibition of cholesterol absorption (with ezetimibe) and PCSK9 activity (with evolocumab or alirocumab) provides potentially useful approaches for the therapeutic modulation of LDL-C metabolism in statin-treated patients. In recent trials, combination strategies involving a statin and non-statin agent (ezetimibe or evolocumab) have been shown to promote coronary atherosclerosis regression and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk. This review summarizes recent evidence on the effects of dual lipid-lowering therapy on coronary atherosclerosis.

Long-term efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 monoclonal antibodies: A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of PCSK9 antibodies.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant studies.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies including 38,235 participants who were treated for at least 48 weeks were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that PCSK9 antibody treatment significantly decreased LDL-C levels (mean difference, -50.23% [95% confidence interval {CI}, -56.65% to -43.82%]) compared with no PCSK9 antibody treatment and also decreased other atherogenic lipid fractions. PCSK9 antibody treatment also elicited a significant reduction in cardiovascular event rates compared with no antibody treatment (relative risk [RR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.81-0.92]). This reduction consisted of separate significant reductions in the rates of myocardial infarction (RR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.65-0.82]), coronary revascularization (RR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.73-0.87]), and stroke (RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68-0.96]). There were no clear differences in the incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious TEAEs, or TEAEs of interest between the 2 groups; moreover, no differences between the 2 groups were found for other laboratory parameters.

CONCLUSION

PCSK9 antibodies have significant effects on reducing LDL-C levels and improve cardiovascular outcomes. These antibodies have a satisfactory safety profile, which suggests that they are suitable for use as a long-term treatment.

The PLOS Medicine Editors, Swaminathan S, Room RS, Ivers LC, Hillis G, Grais RF, Bhutta ZA, Byass P. What's coming for health science and policy in 2018? Global experts look ahead in their field

In PLOS Medicine's first editorial of 2018, editorial board members and other leading researchers share their hopes, pleas, concerns, and expectations for this year in health research and policy.

Hypercholesterolaemia - practical information for non-specialists

Hypercholesterolaemia is amongst the most common conditions encountered in the medical profession. It remains one of the key modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and there have been recent advances in the risk stratification methods and treatment options available. In this review, we provide a background into hypercholesterolaemia for non-specialists and consider the merits of the different risk assessment tools available. We also provide detailed considerations as to: i) when to start treatment, ii) what targets to aim for and iii) the role of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

[Antibodies as treatment option in older adults]

Monoclonal antibodies are already used for many different clinical indications. Besides oncology and rheumatology, denosumab is the only antibody that is currently prescribed in older adults with osteoporosis; however, apart from osteoporosis there might be more possible indications for the use of antibodies in chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes. Particularly, with respect to sarcopenia the transition to "doping for older adults" seems to be fluent. The present review provides an overview on the newest developments and prospective options.

Stepwise processing analyses of the single-turnover PCSK9 protease reveal its substrate sequence specificity and link clinical genotype to lipid phenotype

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) down-regulates the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, elevating LDL cholesterol and accelerating atherosclerotic heart disease, making it a promising cardiovascular drug target. To achieve its maximal effect on the LDL receptor, PCSK9 requires autoproteolysis. After cleavage, PCSK9 retains its prodomain in the active site as a self-inhibitor. Unlike other proprotein convertases, however, this retention is permanent, inhibiting any further protease activity for the remainder of its life cycle. Such inhibition has proven a major challenge toward a complete biochemical characterization of PCSK9's proteolytic function, which could inform therapeutic approaches against its hypercholesterolemic effects. To address this challenge, we employed a cell-based, high-throughput method using a luciferase readout to evaluate the single-turnover PCSK9 proteolytic event. We combined this method with saturation mutagenesis libraries to interrogate the sequence specificities of PCSK9 cleavage and proteolysis-independent secretion. Our results highlight several key differences in sequence identity between these two steps, complement known structural data, and suggest that PCSK9 self-proteolysis is the rate-limiting step of secretion. Additionally, we found that for missense SNPs within PCSK9, alterations in both proteolysis and secretion are common. Last, we show that some SNPs allosterically modulate PCSK9's substrate sequence specificity. Our findings indicate that PCSK9 proteolysis acts as a commonly perturbed but critical switch in controlling lipid homeostasis and provide a new hope for the development of small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors.

Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitors on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia: A Meta-Analysis of 35 Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

We sought to examine the efficacy and safety of 2 PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors: alirocumab and evolocumab.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing treatment with and without PCSK9 inhibitors; 35 randomized controlled trials comprising 45 539 patients (mean follow-up: 85.5 weeks) were included. Mean age was 61.0±2.8 years, and mean baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 106±22 mg/dL. Compared with no PCSK9 inhibitor therapy, treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor was associated with a lower rate of myocardial infarction (2.3% versus 3.6%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64-0.81]; P<0.001), stroke (1.0% versus 1.4%; OR: 0.80 [95% CI, 0.67-0.96]; P=0.02), and coronary revascularization (4.2% versus 5.8%; OR: 0.78 [95% CI, 0.71-0.86]; P<0.001). Overall, no significant change was observed in all-cause mortality (OR: 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47-1.09]; P=0.12) or cardiovascular mortality (OR: 1.01 [95% CI, 0.85-1.19]; P=0.95). A significant association was observed between higher baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and benefit in all-cause mortality (P=0.038). No significant change was observed in neurocognitive adverse events (OR: 1.12 [95% CI, 0.88-1.42]; P=0.37), myalgia (OR: 0.95 [95% CI, 0.75-1.20]; P=0.65), new onset or worsening of preexisting diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.05 [95% CI, 0.95-1.17]; P=0.32), and increase in levels of creatine kinase (OR: 0.84 [95% CI, 0.70-1.01]; P=0.06) or alanine or aspartate aminotransferase (OR: 0.96 [95% CI, 0.82-1.12]; P=0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor is well tolerated and improves cardiovascular outcomes. Although no overall benefit was noted in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, such benefit may be achievable in patients with higher baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is a common inherited disorder characterized by abnormally elevated serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from birth, which in time can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most cases are caused by autosomal dominant mutations in LDLR, which encodes the LDL receptor, although mutations in other genes coding for proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism or LDLR function and processing, such as APOB and PCSK9, can also be causative, although less frequently. Several sets of diagnostic criteria for familial hypercholesterolaemia are available; common diagnostic features are an elevated LDL cholesterol level and a family history of hypercholesterolaemia or (premature) CVD. DNA-based methods to identify the underlying genetic defect are desirable but not essential for diagnosis. Cascade screening can contribute to early diagnosis of the disease in family members of an affected individual, which is crucial because familial hypercholesterolaemia can be asymptomatic for decades. Clinical severity depends on the nature of the gene that harbours the causative mutation, among other factors, and is further modulated by the type of mutation. Lifelong LDL cholesterol-lowering treatment substantially improves CVD-free survival and longevity. Statins are the first-line therapy, but additional drugs, such as ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, PCSK9 inhibitors and other emerging therapies, are often required.

Identification of 64 Novel Genetic Loci Provides an Expanded View on the Genetic Architecture of Coronary Artery Disease

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Rationale:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex phenotype driven by genetic and environmental factors. Ninety-seven genetic risk loci have been identified to date, but the identification of additional susceptibility loci might be important to enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of CAD.

Objective:

To expand the number of genome-wide significant loci, catalog functional insights, and enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of CAD.

Methods and Results:

We performed a genome-wide association study in 34 541 CAD cases and 261 984 controls of UK Biobank resource followed by replication in 88 192 cases and 162 544 controls from CARDIoGRAMplusC4D. We identified 75 loci that replicated and were genome-wide significant (P<5×10⁻⁸) in meta-analysis, 13 of which had not been reported previously. Next, to further identify novel loci, we identified all promising (P<0.0001) loci in the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D data and performed reciprocal replication and meta-analyses with UK Biobank. This led to the identification of 21 additional novel loci reaching genome-wide significance (P<5×10⁻⁸) in meta-analysis. Finally, we performed a genome-wide meta-analysis of all available data revealing 30 additional novel loci (P<5×10⁻⁸) without further replication. The increase in sample size by UK Biobank raised the number of reconstituted gene sets from 4.2% to 13.9% of all gene sets to be involved in CAD. For the 64 novel loci, 155 candidate causal genes were prioritized, many without an obvious connection to CAD. Fine mapping of the 161 CAD loci generated lists of credible sets of single causal variants and genes for functional follow-up. Genetic risk variants of CAD were linked to development of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and death.

Conclusions:

We identified 64 novel genetic risk loci for CAD and performed fine mapping of all 161 risk loci to obtain a credible set of causal variants. The large expansion of reconstituted gene sets argues in favor of an expanded omnigenic model view on the genetic architecture of CAD.

PCSK9 Inhibitors: Economics and Policy

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors substantially reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but it is presently unclear whether they also reduce mortality. The list prices of PCSK9 inhibitors in the United States (>$14,500 per year) are >100× higher than generic statins, and only a small fraction of their higher cost is likely to be recovered by prevention of cardiovascular events. The projected cost effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors does not meet generally accepted benchmarks for good value in the United States, but their value would be improved by substantial price reductions. For individual patients, the high out-of-pocket costs of PCSK9 inhibitors may impede access and reduce long-term adherence. The budgetary impact of PCSK9 inhibitors would be very large if all potentially eligible patients were treated, which poses dilemmas for policymakers, payers, and society.

Effects of endurance training on serum lipids

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Physical activity is recommended as part of the lifestyle modification for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, however, the literature reports heterogeneous quantitative effects of exercise on serum lipids. We therefore reviewed the effects of aerobic exercise on serum lipids with special focus on the training effectiveness.

METHODS

Data regarding effects of endurance training (ET) on total Cholesterol (TC), LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated in a selective literature search. To account for the observed heterogeneity of the training interventions, studies were analyzed according to effectiveness (duration, intensity, frequency) of training.

RESULTS

Unselected training intervention studies did not exert significant effects on serum LDL-C but showed minor positive effects on HDL-C and TG. Effective endurance training - defined as endurance training performed by an intensity of 65-75% of the heart rate reserve (corresponding to 75-85% maximum heart rate or 65-80% VO_2max) for a duration of 40-50min per training unit on 3-4days/week over a period of 26-40weeks showed improvement of serum lipids. Effective training lowered TC by -3.75% (p=0.0006), LDL-C by -4.76% (p=0.0015), TG by -8.24% (p=0.0004) and increased HDL-C by +4.43% (p=0.0061).

CONCLUSION

The analysis suggests that a minimum exercise threshold is necessary to produce effects on serum lipids. Overall, the quantitative effect of physical activity on serum lipids is small.

Cardiovascular safety and efficacy of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab in patients with and without diabetes and the effect of evolocumab on glycaemia and risk of new-onset diabetes: a prespecified analysis of the FOURIER randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab reduced LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular events in the FOURIER trial. In this prespecified analysis of FOURIER, we investigated the efficacy and safety of evolocumab by diabetes status and the effect of evolocumab on glycaemia and risk of developing diabetes.

METHODS

FOURIER was a randomised trial of evolocumab (140 mg every 2 weeks or 420 mg once per month) versus placebo in 27 564 patients with atherosclerotic disease who were on statin therapy, followed up for a median of 2·2 years. In this prespecified analysis, we investigated the effect of evolocumab on cardiovascular events by diabetes status at baseline, defined on the basis of patient history, clinical events committee review of medical records, or baseline HbA_1c of 6·5% (48 mmol/mol) or greater or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of 7·0 mmol/L or greater. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospital admission for unstable angina, or coronary revascularisation. The key secondary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. We also assessed the effect of evolocumab on glycaemia, and on the risk of new-onset diabetes among patients without diabetes at baseline. HbA_1c was measured at baseline then every 24 weeks and FPG was measured at baseline, week 12, week 24, and every 24 weeks thereafter, and potential cases of new-onset diabetes were adjudicated centrally. In a post-hoc analysis, we also investigated the effects on glycaemia and diabetes risk in patients with prediabetes (HbA_1c 5·7-6·4% [39-46 mmol/mol] or FPG 5·6-6·9 mmol/L) at baseline. FOURIER is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01764633.

FINDINGS

At study baseline, 11 031 patients (40%) had diabetes and 16 533 (60%) did not have diabetes (of whom 10 344 had prediabetes and 6189 had normoglycaemia). Evolocumab significantly reduced cardiovascular outcomes consistently in patients with and without diabetes at baseline. For the primary composite endpoint, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 0·83 (95% CI 0·75-0·93; p=0·0008) for patients with diabetes and 0·87 (0·79-0·96; p=0·0052) for patients without diabetes (p_interaction=0·60). For the key secondary endpoint, the HRs were 0·82 (0·72-0·93; p=0·0021) for those with diabetes and 0·78 (0·69-0·89; p=0·0002) for those without diabetes (p_interaction=0·65). Evolocumab did not increase the risk of new-onset diabetes in patients without diabetes at baseline (HR 1·05, 0·94-1·17), including in those with prediabetes (HR 1·00, 0·89-1·13). Levels of HbA_1c and FPG were similar between the evolocumab and placebo groups over time in patients with diabetes, prediabetes, or normoglycaemia. Among patients with diabetes at baseline, the proportions of patients with adverse events were 78·5% (4327 of 5513 patients) in the evolocumab group and 78·3% (4307 of 5502 patients) in the placebo group; among patients without diabetes at baseline, the proportions with adverse events were 76·8% (6337 of 8256 patients) in the evolocumab group and 76·8% (6337 of 8254 patients) in the placebo group.

INTERPRETATION

PCSK9 inhibition with evolocumab significantly reduced cardiovascular risk in patients with and without diabetes. Evolocumab did not increase the risk of new-onset diabetes, nor did it worsen glycaemia. These data suggest evolocumab use in patients with atherosclerotic disease is efficacious and safe in patients with and without diabetes.

FUNDING

Amgen.

The challenges of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin-9 inhibitors for lipid guidelines and models of care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The article reviews the challenges facing cardiovascular disease (CVD) guidelines committees.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical trials in high-risk populations have shown additional CVD event reduction with ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin-9 inhibitors. These trials recruit middle-aged secondary prevention populations, whereas increasingly the population at risk of CVD comprises the elderly in primary prevention. Some major guidelines have moved from a lipid-target to a risk-based approach. Some guidelines wish to preserve treatment targets to optimize the risk profile of individual patients as opposed to using population-based approaches. A numbers needed to treat approach has been suggested as a way of prioritizing patients for treatment, while retaining an individual's LDL cholesterol risk. However, the main barrier to implementation of some novel therapies in medicine is not their efficacy or safety but their cost. Health economic approaches that consider both benefits and costs can help guideline committees to define populations mostly likely to benefit.

SUMMARY

The efficacy and expense of novel treatments is challenging traditional guideline development. Previously guideline committees used only to review clinical efficacy and safety endpoints but now they also have to consider costs to derive recommendations that are practical to implement.

Triglyceride-lowering trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We provide an overview of current evidence about the independent role of high triglyceride levels for cardiovascular risk and for acute pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Natural experiments of Mendelian randomization have given us a deeper understanding about the molecular pathways involved in triglyceride metabolism. Individuals with low-triglyceride levels generally have lower rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There has been a significant growth in the development of new agents that modulate enzymes involved in a variety of aspects of triglyceride packaging into VLDL or chylomicron particles, and triglyceride catabolism. Antisense inhibitors of apolipoprotein CIII are being tested, as are a variety of agents designed to increase lipoprotein lipase activity. Large-scale trials are underway with purified fatty acid (FA) formulations in over 20 000 individuals in aggregate. A large study of a new fibrate is underway.

SUMMARY

A focus on patients with elevated triglyceride levels is a new paradigm not previously the focus of large trials. Clinical outcome data on cardiovascular risk reductions remains sparse. Some drugs are already approved for use in rare inherited disorders predisposing to severe hypertriglyceridaemia and acute pancreatitis. Safety and costs issues are critical.

Novel treatment options for the management of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Even though statins represent the mainstay of treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering efficacy is finite and most patients with FH will not achieve LDL-C targets with statin monotherapy. Addition of ezetimibe with or without bile acid sequestrants will also not lead to treatment goals in many of these patients, particularly in those with established cardiovascular disease. In this selected subgroup of the FH population, proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors provide substantial reductions in LDL-C levels, reduce cardiovascular morbidity and appear to be safe. Mipomersen, an antisense single-strand oligonucleotide that inhibits the production of apoB by binding to the mRNA that encodes the synthesis of apoB, and lomitapide, an inhibitor of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, also reduce LDL-C levels but are currently indicated only for the management of homozygous FH. Areas covered: In the present review, the role of PCSK9 inhibitors, mipomersen and lomitapide in the management of FH is briefly discussed. Other LDL-C-lowering agents under evaluation include inclisiran, a small interference RNA molecule that induces long-term inhibition of PSCK9 synthesis, anacetrapib, a cholesterol ester-transfer protein inhibitor, ETC-1002 (bempedoic acid), an inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase, and gemcabene, which reduces hepatic apolipoprotein C-III mRNA. The safety and efficacy of these agents are also reviewed. Expert Commentary: Even though several novel treatment options for heterozygous FH are under development, it remains to be shown whether these treatments will also reduce cardiovascular morbidity in these high-risk patients.

Clinical outcomes of PCSK9Is: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background

Previous studies of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9Is) were not designed to detect clinical benefit and were underpowered for this outcome. However, recently published trials reported improvement in clinical outcomes. The aim of this meta-analysis to assess the impact of PCSK9Is on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were queried from January 2000 through March 2017. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing clinical outcomes in patients treated with PCSK9I versus control group were included. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted data in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool outcomes across studies. Study endpoints included: major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, coronary revascularization, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 62,776 patients (mean age 61 years, 73% were males) were included from six randomized clinical trials. In comparison to control group, PCSK9I use was associated with lower MACE (RR =0.81, 95% CI, 0.70-0.93, P=0.003), MI (RR =0.78, 95% CI, 0.63-0.97, P=0.03), stroke (RR =0.74, 95% CI, 0.64-0.87, P=0.0002) and coronary revascularization (RR =0.79, 95% CI, 0.73-0.86, P<0.00001). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of all-cause mortality (RR =1.01, 95% CI, 0.86-1.20, P=0.86) or CV mortality (RR =0.98, 95% CI, 0.78-1.22, P=0.83).

Conclusions

PCSK9Is should be strongly considered to improve clinical outcomes in patients at high risk for atherosclerotic CVD.

The effects of single- and multiple-dose administration of bococizumab (RN316/PF-04950615), a humanized IgG2Δa monoclonal antibody binding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, in hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with and without atorvastatin: Results from four phase I studies

AIMS

Three single-dose and one multiple-dose phase I studies were conducted in subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of bococizumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor.

METHODS

The dosing schedules for hypercholesterolemic subjects randomized in the four phase I studies were (1) ascending, single, intravenous (IV) bococizumab (0.3, 1, 3, 6, 12, or 18 mg/kg), or placebo (N = 48; baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ≥130 mg/dL); (2) single, IV bococizumab (0.5 or 4 mg/kg; no placebo) added to ongoing atorvastatin 40 mg/day (N = 24); (3) single, fixed, subcutaneous (SC) bococizumab (100 or 200 mg), or IV bococizumab (200 mg; no placebo; N = 49; baseline LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL); and (4) weekly IV bococizumab (0.25, 0.5, 1, or 1.5 mg/kg) or placebo for 4 weeks (N = 67; baseline LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL).

RESULTS

Bococizumab pharmacokinetics were well characterized following single IV or SC doses and following multiple IV doses. Exposure to single-dose bococizumab increased slightly greater than dose-proportionally and clearance decreased with increasing dose. In the single-dose studies, maximal mean percent reductions from baseline in LDL-C ranged from 43% (0.3 mg/kg) to 84% (18 mg/kg) in bococizumab-treated subjects, compared with 2% for placebo. For the multiple-dose study, maximal reductions in LDL-C ranged from 55% (0.25 mg/kg) to 66% (1 mg/kg) in bococizumab-treated subjects, compared with 9% for placebo. In all studies, adverse events were infrequent, transient, and not dose-related.

CONCLUSIONS

Bococizumab was generally safe and well tolerated. Bococizumab lowered LDL-C levels substantially in all four studies.

Effects of monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 on clinical cardiovascular events : A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The present meta-analysis was designed to improve statistical power and review the effects of monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 on clinical cardiovascular events.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to May 2017. Studies considered to be eligible were randomized controlled trials about the effects of monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 on clinical cardiovascular events. The primary endpoint was positively adjudicated cardiovascular events; the secondary endpoint comprised cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), coronary revascularization, stroke, and hospitalization for unstable angina.

RESULTS

We included 20 randomized controlled trials involving 67,934 patients. Monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 were associated with a significant reduction in positively adjudicated cardiovascular events (relative risk [RR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81-0.93; z = 4.03; p = 0.000), MI (RR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.71-0.86; z = 4.96; p = 0.000), coronary revascularization (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.75-0.88; z = 4.93; p = 0.000), and stroke (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.65-0.89; z = 3.47; p = 0.001). Monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 did not reduce hospitalization rates due to unstable angina. The results of subgroup analysis showed that evolocumab was associated with a lower risk of positively adjudicated cardiovascular events, MI, coronary revascularization, and stroke without reducing cardiac mortality. Alirocumab reduced the incidence of cardiac mortality but not of other cardiovascular events, while bococizumab was associated with a reduced risk of stroke.

CONCLUSION

Monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 were associated with a lower risk of positively adjudicated cardiovascular events, MI, coronary revascularization, and stroke.

PCSK9 Inhibitors: Mechanisms of Action, Metabolic Effects, and Clinical Outcomes

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increased serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are an independent risk factor for ASCVD, and clinical trial data have shown that lowering LDL-C generally reduces cardiovascular risk. Until recently, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have been the main therapy for lowering LDL-C. However, some statin-treated patients have persistently elevated residual cardiovascular risk due to inadequate lowering of LDL-C levels or non-LDL-related dyslipidemia. In addition, adverse effects of statins may limit their tolerability and therefore the ability to attain effective doses in some patients. A new class of drugs that inhibit proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been developed to treat hyperlipidemia. This review discusses the history and mechanism of action of PCSK9 inhibitors, their metabolic effects, and clinical outcomes associated with these medications, highlighting recent large cardiovascular outcome trials investigating these therapies.

Effect of the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitor Evolocumab on Glycemia, Body Weight, and New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Statin therapy modestly increases new-onset diabetes risk. The effect of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibition on new-onset diabetes, glycemia, and weight remains unclear. We studied the effects of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor evolocumab on fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, weight, and new-onset diabetes mellitus. We pooled 1-year (48-week) data for participants who had completed an evolocumab parent study before entering an open-label extension (OLE) trial. Data were available for 4,802 participants (1,602 on standard of care [SOC]; 3,200 on evolocumab plus SOC) in 2 OLE trials. Evolocumab lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by approximately 60% compared with SOC alone. Over the first year of the OLE trials, there was no difference in median (Q1, Q3) change in glycated hemoglobin (0.1% [-0.1, 0.2] for both SOC and evolocumab plus SOC) and fasting plasma glucose (0.06 mmol/L [-0.28, 0.38 mmol/L] for SOC and 0.06 mmol/L [-0.28, 0.44 mmol/L] for evolocumab plus SOC). Mean weight change (standard error) at 1 year was -0.1 kg (0.2) on SOC compared with 0.3 kg (0.1) on evolocumab plus SOC. The exposure-adjusted incidence rate (95% confidence intervals) for new-onset diabetes per 100 patient years was 3.7 (2.9 to 4.7) on control/SOC alone and 3.9 (3.2 to 4.6) on evolocumab/evolocumab plus SOC treatment. Glycemic changes observed in 6,430 participants at week 12 in the parent studies were comparable with OLE trial findings. In conclusion, evolocumab therapy has no effect on glucose homeostasis over 1 year of open-label treatment.

PCSK9 Mutations in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: from a Groundbreaking Discovery to Anti-PCSK9 Therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In 2003, Abifadel et al. (Nat. Genet. 34:154-156, 2003) identified PCSK9, encoding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, as the third causal gene for autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia. This review focuses on the main steps from this major breakthrough in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) to the latest clinical trials with the anti-PCSK9 antibodies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The year 2015 was remarkable in cardiovascular disease through the field of cholesterol. Nearly 30 years after the discovery of statins, a new class of effective lipid-lowering drugs has emerged: the anti-PCSK9 antibodies. The discovery of the first gain-of-function mutations of PCSK9 in FH rapidly became the center of interest of researchers worldwide. Preclinical and clinical studies launched by pharmaceutical companies led to the first three anti-PCSK9 antibodies, two of which (evolocumab and alirocumab) reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 50-60% and received FDA and European Medicines Agency approvals in 2015 on top of statin therapy. Recently, results of the Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk (FOURIER) trial, the outcome trial of evolocumab over 2.2 years, showed a reduction of 15-20% in the risk of major cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients receiving statin therapy. Results of ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial, evaluating the effect of alirocumab in 18,000 patients with established CVD are also eagerly awaited in 2018. The evolution of research on PCSK9, starting from the discovery of the first set of mutations in PCSK9 in FH in 2003, is an amazing example of successful translational research. It shows how rigorous and powered genetic analyses can lead to the discovery of a new class of lipid-lowering drugs that give hope in fighting high cholesterol levels and their cardiovascular complications.

A Therapeutic Peptide Vaccine Against PCSK9

Vaccination provides a promising approach for treatment of hypercholesterolemia and improvement in compliance. In this study, the appropriate virus-like particle (VLP)-peptide vaccines targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were screened. The screening criteria of target peptides were as follows: (1) located in catalytic domain of PCSK9, or regulating the binding of PCSK9 and LDL receptors (LDLR); (2) having low/no-similarity when matched with the host proteome; (3) possessing ideal antigenicity and hydrophilicity; (4) including the functional mutation site of PCSK9. It was found that mice vaccinated with VLP -PCSK9 peptide vaccines, especially PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine, developed high titer IgG antibodies against PCSK9. PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine obviously decreased plasma total cholesterol in both Balb/c mice and LDLR^+/- mice. Also, PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine decreased plasma PCSK9 level and up-regulated LDLR expression in liver. Additionally, PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine injection was associated with significant up-regulation of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in LDLR^+/- mice. No obvious immune injury was detected in vaccinated animals. The PCSK9Qβ-003 vaccine, therefore, may be an attractive treatment approach for hypercholesterolemia through decreasing cholesterol and regulating lipid homeostasis.

Prevention of Stroke with the Addition of Ezetimibe to Statin Therapy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome in IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial)

BACKGROUND

Patients who experience an acute coronary syndrome are at heightened risk of recurrent ischemic events, including stroke. Ezetimibe improved cardiovascular outcomes when added to statin therapy in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome. We investigated the efficacy of the addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin for the prevention of stroke and other adverse cardiovascular events in IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial), with a focus on patients with a stroke before randomization.

METHODS

Patients who experienced acute coronary syndrome were randomized to a placebo/simvastatin or ezetimibe/simvastatin regimen and followed for a median of 6 years. Treatment efficacy was assessed for the entire population and by subgroups for the first and total (first and subsequent) events for the end points of stroke of any etiology, stroke subtypes, and the primary trial end point at 7 years.

RESULTS

Of 18 144 patients, 641 (3.5%) experienced at least 1 stroke; most were ischemic (527, 82%). Independent predictors of stroke included prior stroke, older age, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and renal dysfunction. There was a nonsignificant reduction in the first event of stroke of any etiology (4.2% versus 4.8%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.00; P=0.052) with ezetimibe/simvastatin versus placebo/simvastatin, driven by a significant 21% reduction in ischemic stroke (3.4% versus 4.1%; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67-0.94; P=0.008) and a nonsignificant increase in hemorrhagic stroke (0.8% versus 0.6%; HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.93-2.04; P=0.11). Evaluating total events, including the first and all recurrent strokes, ezetimibe/simvastatin reduced stroke of any etiology (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98; P=0.029) and ischemic stroke (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.91; P=0.003). Patients who had experienced a stroke prior to randomization were at a higher risk of recurrence and demonstrated an absolute risk reduction of 8.6% for stroke of any etiology (10.2% versus 18.8%; number needed to treat=12; HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.95; P=0.030) and 7.6% for ischemic stroke (8.7% versus 16.3%; number needed to treat=13; HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.86; P=0.011) with ezetimibe added to simvastatin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome reduces the frequency of ischemic stroke, with a particularly large effect seen in patients with a prior stroke.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00202878.

Efficacy and Safety of Bococizumab (RN316/PF-04950615), a Monoclonal Antibody Against Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9, in Hypercholesterolemic Japanese Subjects Receiving a Stable Dose of Atorvastatin or Treatment-Naive - Results From a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Ranging Study

BACKGROUND

A Phase 2, dose-ranging study of bococizumab, a monoclonal anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 antibody, was conducted in Japanese subjects to assess its efficacy, safety, and tolerability in this population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two different hypercholesterolemic study populations were enrolled concurrently: Japanese subjects with uncontrolled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) despite atorvastatin treatment (LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL; n=121), and Japanese subjects naive to lipid-lowering agents and with LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL (n=97). Subjects within each study population were randomized to bococizumab 50, 100, or 150 mg, or placebo, q14D for 16 weeks; an open-label ezetimibe 10 mg daily arm was also included for the atorvastatin-treated population. Significant, dose-dependent reductions in fasting LDL-C levels were observed in all bococizumab arms of both study populations at Weeks 12 and 16 (adjusted mean percent changes from baseline: 54.1-76.7% for atorvastatin-treated subjects and 47.7-66.8% for treatment-naive subjects; P<0.001 vs. placebo for all). Bococizumab also caused dose-dependent changes in other lipid parameters in both study populations at Weeks 12 and 16. No serious adverse events (AEs) related to bococizumab treatment occurred and all treatment-emergent AEs were mild or moderate in severity. No dose-dependent relationship between bococizumab treatment and development of anti-drug antibodies was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Bococizumab was well tolerated and significantly reduced fasting LDL-C in atorvastatin-treated and treatment-naive hypercholesterolemic Japanese subjects. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02055976.).

Antiinflammatory Therapy with Canakinumab for Atherosclerotic Disease

BACKGROUND

Experimental and clinical data suggest that reducing inflammation without affecting lipid levels may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the inflammatory hypothesis of atherothrombosis has remained unproved.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial of canakinumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β, involving 10,061 patients with previous myocardial infarction and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level of 2 mg or more per liter. The trial compared three doses of canakinumab (50 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg, administered subcutaneously every 3 months) with placebo. The primary efficacy end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

At 48 months, the median reduction from baseline in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was 26 percentage points greater in the group that received the 50-mg dose of canakinumab, 37 percentage points greater in the 150-mg group, and 41 percentage points greater in the 300-mg group than in the placebo group. Canakinumab did not reduce lipid levels from baseline. At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, the incidence rate for the primary end point was 4.50 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group, 4.11 events per 100 person-years in the 50-mg group, 3.86 events per 100 person-years in the 150-mg group, and 3.90 events per 100 person-years in the 300-mg group. The hazard ratios as compared with placebo were as follows: in the 50-mg group, 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.07; P=0.30); in the 150-mg group, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98; P=0.021); and in the 300-mg group, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99; P=0.031). The 150-mg dose, but not the other doses, met the prespecified multiplicity-adjusted threshold for statistical significance for the primary end point and the secondary end point that additionally included hospitalization for unstable angina that led to urgent revascularization (hazard ratio vs. placebo, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P=0.005). Canakinumab was associated with a higher incidence of fatal infection than was placebo. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio for all canakinumab doses vs. placebo, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.06; P=0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Antiinflammatory therapy targeting the interleukin-1β innate immunity pathway with canakinumab at a dose of 150 mg every 3 months led to a significantly lower rate of recurrent cardiovascular events than placebo, independent of lipid-level lowering. (Funded by Novartis; CANTOS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01327846 .).

Effects of Evolocumab on Cardiovascular Events

BACKGROUND

Evolocumab is a potent lipid-lowering drug that decreases plasma levels of lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 50-60%. FOURIER is a landmark randomized trial involving 27,564 patients with established cardiovascular disease already on statins and plasma LDLC levels > 70 mg/dl.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of FOURIER was to examine the effects of evolocumab on cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, evolocumab significantly decreased the primary endpoint (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, or coronary revascularization) by 15% compared to placebo [hazard ratio 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.92)], but no significant effect was found on mortality. The most common adverse effect of evolocumab was mild injection site reaction occurring in 2.1% of patients versus 1.6% of patients receiving placebo.

CONCLUSION

These results support the use of evolocumab as add-on therapy to statins for high cardiac- risk patients not achieving optimal goals of LDL-C. Longer-term studies are needed to further clarify the efficacy and safety of evolocumab.

Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab Versus Ezetimibe Over 2 Years (from ODYSSEY COMBO II)

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab has been shown to substantially reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Demonstrating whether efficacy and safety are maintained over a long duration of exposure is vital for clinical decision-making. The COMBO II trial compared the efficacy and safety of alirocumab versus ezetimibe over 2 years. A prespecified first analysis was reported at 52 weeks. Here we report the final end-of-study data (on-treatment) and evaluate post hoc the safety profile with longer versus shorter duration of alirocumab exposure. Patients (n = 720) on maximally tolerated statin dose were treated with alirocumab (75/150 mg every 2 weeks) or ezetimibe (10 mg/day). Overall mean adherence for both treatment groups during the first and second year was >97%. At 2 years, LDL-C was reduced by 49% (alirocumab) versus 17% (ezetimibe; p <0.0001), and LDL-C <70 mg/dl was achieved by 73% of alirocumab-treated versus 40% of ezetimibe-treated patients. Overall safety was similar in both treatment groups at 2 years and during the first versus the second year. Local injection-site reactions were reported by 2.5% (alirocumab) versus 0.8% (ezetimibe) during the first year, and 0.2% versus 0.5% during the second year, indicating early occurrence during prolonged alirocumab exposure. Two consecutive calculated LDL-C values <25 mg/dl were observed in 28% of alirocumab-treated patients (vs 0.4% with ezetimibe). Persistent anti-drug antibody responses were observed in 1.3% (6 of 454) of alirocumab-treated versus 0.4% (1 of 231) of ezetimibe-treated patients. Neutralizing antibodies (that inhibit binding in vitro) were observed in 1.5% (7 of 454) of alirocumab-treated patients (0 with ezetimibe), mostly at isolated time points. Alirocumab sustained substantial LDL-C reductions and was well tolerated up to 2 years in the COMBO II trial.