Safety and tolerability of injectable lipid-lowering drugs: an update of clinical data

Serious Adverse Events of Inclisiran in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia, a Meta-Analysis of ORION Trials

BACKGROUND

Several studies have been conducted over the years to find an effective and safe therapeutic agent to treat hypercholesterolemia. Inclisiran is a novel drug being studied for its efficacy and safety in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. No previous study was done to review the trials for the serious adverse events of this drug. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the incidence of serious adverse events of this drug.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials is performed.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from their inception till July 3, 2023, was performed for ORION trials, studying the efficacy and safety of inclisiran. The random-effects model was used in the meta-analysis to provide a pooled proportion of serious adverse events. The risk of bias in each study was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

RESULTS

From 319 studies searched from the databases, only 8 relevant articles remained after a detailed evaluation. These studies, having a total of 4981 patients, were involved in the analysis, with a pooled estimate showing a nonsignificant incidence of serious adverse events. Each adverse event was studied individually, and product issues and endocrine disorders had the highest odds ratio among them. All included studies were classified as moderate quality.

CONCLUSION

Following systematic review and meta-analysis, we found no significant differences in any serious adverse events following the administration of inclisiran. However, larger ongoing trials will provide additional data to evaluate the safety profile of this agent.

Efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid lipid-lowering therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid in patients requiring lipid-lowering therapy.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception till June 2023. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, serum lipid profile, and adverse events between bempedoic acid and comparators. ROB2 was used for risk of bias assessment. We pooled mean differences or relative risks (RR) along with 95% confidence intervals (random-effects model).

RESULTS

Five-hundred and thirty-one studies were screened and 17 (n = 21,131) were included for review. There was a significant reduction in the risk of MACE [RR, 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.99), p = 0.03)] and all-cause mortality [RR, 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.98), p = 0.02] following bempedoic acid treatment. Treatment with bempedoic acid led to a significant reduction in the mean serum total cholesterol [- 34.41 mg/dl (95% CI: - 42.43 to - 26.39), p < 0.001], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [- 33.91 mg/dl (95% CI: - 39.66 to - 28.17), p < 0.001], as well as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [- 2.40 mg/dl (95% CI: - 3.09 to - 1.71), p < 0.001] levels. However, there was a significant increase in the risk of hyperuricemia [RR, 2.05 (95% CI: 1.81 to 2.33), p < 0.001] following bempedoic acid treatment. The number needed to harm was large for all safety outcomes. The GRADE of evidence was moderate for all outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Bempedoic acid reduces the risk of MACE and all-cause mortality, lowers serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, and has a favorable safety profile. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: CRD42023412837.

Beyond statins: New pharmacological targets to decrease LDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular events

The pharmacological treatment of dyslipidemia, a major modifiable risk factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), remains a debated and controversial issue, not only in terms of the most appropriate therapeutic range for lipid levels, but also with regard to the optimal strategy and sequence approach (stepwise vs upstream therapy). Current treatment guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia focus on the intensity of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, stratified according to risk for developing ASCVD. Beyond statins and ezetimibe, different medications targeting LDL-C have been recently approved by regulatory agencies with potential innovative mechanisms of action, including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 modulators (monoclonal antibodies such as evolocumab and alirocumab; small interfering RNA molecules such as inclisiran), ATP-citrate lyase inhibitors (bempedoic acid), angiopoietin-like 3 inhibitors (evinacumab), and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors (lomitapide). An understanding of their pharmacological aspects, benefit-risk profile, including impact on hard cardiovascular endpoints beyond LDL-C reduction, and potential advantages from the patient perspective (e.g., adherence) - the focus of this evidence-based review - is crucial for practitioners across medical specialties to minimize therapeutic inertia and support clinical practice.

The Inhibition of Evolocumab on Non-Infarct-Related Artery Disease in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Purpose

The effects of combing evolocumab and statin on the clinical outcome and physiological function of coronary arteries in STEMI patients with non-infarct-related artery (NIRA) disease are still unclear.

Methods

A total of 355 STEMI patients with NIRA were enrolled in this study, who underwent combined quantitative flow ratio (QFR) at baseline and after 12 months of treatment with statin monotherapy or statin plus evolocumab.

Results

Diameter stenosis and lesion length were significantly lower in the group undergoing statin plus evolocumab. While the group exhibited significantly higher minimum lumen diameter (MLD), and QFR values. Statin plus evolocumab (OR = 0.350; 95% CI: 0.149-0.824; P = 0.016) and plaque lesion length (OR = 1.223; 95% CI: 1.102-1.457; P = 0.033) were independently associated with rehospitalization for unstable angina (UA) within 12 months.

Conclusion

Evolocumab combined with statin therapy can significantly improve the anatomical and physiological function of the coronary arteries and downregulate the re-hospitalization rate due to UA in STEMI patients with NIRA.

Inclisiran—A Revolutionary Addition to a Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy

Hypercholesterolemia plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, but it remains an undertreated and underdiagnosed disease. Taking into consideration the high prevalence of lipid disorders, long duration of the asymptomatic course of the disease, life-threatening complications resulting from inaccurate therapy, and stringent treatment goals concerning LDL cholesterol level in the prevention of cardiovascular events, novel lipid-lowering therapies have been introduced in the last few years. In this article, a drug belonging to the group of small interfering RNA (siRNA) called inclisiran is described. It is a novel molecule that increases the number of LDL receptors (LDLRs) on the surface of hepatic cells by preventing the formation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) responsible for the degradation of LDLRs. With great potential for lowering plasma LDL cholesterol level, high liver specificity, comfortable dosing regimen, and good tolerance without significant adverse effects, it could play an important part in future hypolipemic therapies.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein associates with cardiovascular disease by a vicious cycle of atherosclerosis and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an established marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a therapeutic target. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) is known to be associated with excessive inflammation and abnormal lipoprotein metabolism. Chronic inflammatory diseases confer an elevated risk of premature atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events. Whether oxLDL may serve as a potential biomarker for CVD stratification in populations with chronic inflammatory conditions remains understudied.

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between oxLDL and CVD (defined by incident CVD events, carotid intima-media thickness, presence of coronary plaque) in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using studies published between 2000 and 2022 from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase (Elsevier), CINHAL (EBSCOhost), Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science: Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics) databases on the relationship between oxLDL and cardiovascular risk on inflamed population. The pooled effect size was combined using the random effect model and publication bias was assessed if P < 0.05 for the Egger or Begg test along with the funnel plot test.

Results

A total of three observational studies with 1,060 participants were ultimately included in the final meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that oxLDL is significantly increased in participants with CVD in the setting of chronic inflammatory conditions. This meta-analysis suggests that oxLDL may be a useful biomarker in risk stratifying cardiovascular disease in chronically inflamed patients.

Genetics, Safety, Cost-Effectiveness, and Accessibility of Injectable Lipid-Lowering Agents: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular disease causes significant personal, financial, and societal burden and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Dyslipidemia has proven to be a major factor that contributes to its increased incidence; thus, since a long time, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering therapies have been employed to reduce coronary artery disease-associated mortality. The first-line therapy for hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia is statins. Evidence showed that statins decrease the level of LDL-C resulting in a lower risk of CVD (20-25% for every decrease of 1 mmol/L). However, due to statin intolerance in some patients and despite using maximal doses, they have not been successful in lowering cardiovascular-associated mortality. Moreover, bococizumab was recently suspended due to its higher immunogenicity with time, resulting in less efficacy with long-term use. Alternatives to statins are PCSK9 inhibitors which are administered subcutaneously every two or four weeks. They are injectables with considerable lipid-lowering properties. This narrative review discusses their genetics, safety, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness. It also quantifies their benefit in certain subgroups by analyzing the findings from recent randomized clinical trials. Current data from phase 2 and 3 trials (ORION, ODYSSEY, and FOURIER) suggest a favorable profile for evolocumab, alirocumab, and inclisiran with minimal tolerable side effects and superior efficacy in statin-intolerant patients. Their cost-effectiveness has not yet been established clearly, but future outcomes seem promising.

Impact of anti-oestrogen therapy on lipoprotein(a) in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies

PURPOSE

The potential mechanisms of endocrine therapy for thrombosis remain currently unclear, and more studies are warranted for further investigation and elucidation. However, high plasma concentration of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a recognized prothrombotic factor. The aim of our study was to systematically evaluate the effect of different anti-oestrogen therapy on plasma Lp(a) level in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases to identify the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies on this topic. Effect size for changes in Lp(a) was expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Data were pooled from 10 clinical trials comprising 24 treatment arms, which included 2049 women (1128 women in the active-treated arms and 921 women in the control arms). Meta-analysis of data suggested that anti-oestrogen therapy in women significantly reduced Lp(a) [MD = -5.92% (95%CI: -9.05%,-2.8%)].

CONCLUSIONS

This observation is of both clinical and pathophysiological relevance, also in view that the identification of molecular determinants and cellular pathways implicated in Lp(a) synthesis and metabolism is still of concern as a critical issue in lipidology and CV prevention.

Effect of alirocumab and evolocumab on all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events: A meta-analysis focusing on the number needed to treat

AIMS

The efficacy of anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab and evolocumab) on ASCVD patients considering the number needed to treat (NNT).

METHODS

We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the effects of alirocumab or evolocumab and placebo or standards of care. All articles were published in English up to May 2022. Using random effect models, we estimated risk ratios (RRs), NNT, and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

We incorporated 12 RCTs with 53 486 patients total, of which 27 674 received PCSK9 inhibitors and 25 812 received placebos. The mean follow-up duration was 1.56 years. The effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was statistically significant, and the corresponding mean NNT was 36. Alirocumab reduced the risk of MACE, stroke, and coronary revascularization; the corresponding mean NNT were 37, 319, and 107, respectively. Evolocumab positively affected MACE, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization; the corresponding mean NNT were 32, 78, 267, and 65, respectively. The effects of alirocumab or evolocumab on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that preventing one patient from MACE needed to treat 36 patients with ASCVD with PCSK9 inhibitors for 1.56 years. Both alirocumab and evolocumab reduced MACE, stroke, and coronary revascularization. Evolocumab had a positive effect on myocardial infarction, but no effects were noted for alirocumab. In addition, alirocumab may not be as effective as evolocumab. NNT visualizes the magnitude of efficacy to assist in clinical decisions.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=344908], identifier [CRD42022344908].

There is urgent need to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk earlier, more intensively, and with greater precision: A review of current practice and recommendations for improved effectiveness

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is epidemic throughout the world and is etiologic for such acute cardiovascular events as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, unstable angina, and death. ASCVD also impacts risk for dementia, chronic kidney disease peripheral arterial disease and mobility, impaired sexual response, and a host of other visceral impairments that adversely impact the quality and rate of progression of aging. The relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and risk for ASCVD is one of the most highly established and investigated issues in the entirety of modern medicine. Elevated LDL-C is a necessary condition for atherogenesis induction. Basic scientific investigation, prospective longitudinal cohorts, and randomized clinical trials have all validated this association. Yet despite the enormous number of clinical trials which support the need for reducing the burden of atherogenic lipoprotein in blood, the percentage of high and very high-risk patients who achieve risk stratified LDL-C target reductions is low and has remained low for the last thirty years. Atherosclerosis is a preventable disease. As clinicians, the time has come for us to take primordial and primary prevention more serously. Despite a plethora of therapeutic approaches, the large majority of patients at risk for ASCVD are poorly or inadequately treated, leaving them vulnerable to disease progression, acute cardiovascular events, and poor aging due to loss of function in multiple visceral organs. Herein we discuss the need to greatly intensify efforts to reduce risk, decrease disease burden, and provide more comprehensive and earlier risk assessment to optimally prevent ASCVD and its complications. Evidence is presented to support that treatment should aim for far lower goals in cholesterol management, should take into account many more factors than commonly employed today and should begin significantly earlier in life.

Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitor on Blood Lipid Levels in Patients with High and Very-High CVD Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor on blood lipid levels in patients with high and very-high cardiovascular risk.

Design

14 trials (n = 52,586 patients) comparing treatment with or without PCSK9 inhibitors were retrieved from PubMed and Embase updated to 1st Jun 2021. The data quality of included studies was assessed by two independent researchers using the Cochrane systematic review method. All-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and changes in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein (a) (LP (a)), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) from baseline were analyzed using Rev Man 5.1.0 software.

Results

Compared with treatments without PCSK9 inhibitor, addition of PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab and alirocumab) had obvious decreasing effects on the levels of LDL-C [MD = −46.86, 95% CI (−54.99 to −38.72), P < 0.00001], TC [MD = −31.92, 95% CI (−39.47 to −24.38), P < 0.00001], TG [MD = −8.13, 95% CI (−10.48 to −5.79), P < 0.00001], LP(a) [MD = −26.69, 95% CI (-27.93 to −25.44), P < 0.00001], non-HDL-C [MD = −42.86, 95% CI (−45.81 to −39.92), P < 0.00001], and ApoB [MD = −38.44, 95% CI (−42.23 to -34.65), P < 0.00001] in high CVD risk patients. Conversely, changes of HDL-C [MD = 6.27, CI (5.17 to 7.36), P < 0.00001] and ApoA1 [MD = 4.33, 95% CI (3.53 to 5.13), P < 0.00001] from baseline were significantly more in high cardiovascular disease risk patients who received PCSK9 inhibitors treatment.

Conclusion

Addition of PCSK9 inhibitors to standard therapy resulted in definite improvement in blood lipid levels compared with therapies that did not include them.

Efficacy and Safety of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors as Adjuvant Treatments for Patients with Hypercholesterolemia Treated with Statin: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Background: The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are potent LDL-C lowering agents. However, few head-to-head studies evaluated the efficacy on the lowering in other atherogenic apolipoproteins and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors at different dosages as an add-on statins therapy in hypercholesterolemia patients.

Methods: This study is a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized control trials to compare the efficacy of lipid reduction and adverse events of PCSK9 inhibitors in statin-treated hypercholesterolemia patients. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched till April 20, 2021, for randomized controlled trials. Random-effect network meta-analyses were undertaken to compare the differences in the percent reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels and the risk of AEs among different PCSK9 inhibitors.

Results: A total of 22 articles with 42,786 patients were included. The lipid reductions in LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) with add-on PCSK9 inhibitors vs. placebo in statin-treated patients across all trials were 50–63%, 43–52%, and 23–31%, respectively. Evolocumab 140 mg Q2W was ranked the best among all treatment strategies for lowering LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) levels, and the treatment difference was 68.05% (95% confidence interval (CI), 62.43% to 73.67) in LDL-C reduction, 54.95% (95% CI, 49.55% to 60.35%) in ApoB reduction, and 34.25% (95% CI, 27.59% to 40.91%) in Lp(a) reduction compared with the placebo. No significant risk difference of adverse events between PCSK9 inhibitors and placebo was found.

Conclusion: PCSK9 inhibitors showed a significant effect on the reduction in LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) levels in statin-treated patients. Evolocumab 140 mg Q2W showed significantly larger degrees of LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) reduction.

Lipoprotein(a) Serum Levels Predict Pulse Wave Velocity in Subjects in Primary Prevention for Cardiovascular Disease with Large Apo(a) Isoforms: Data from the Brisighella Heart Study

In the last decades, high serum levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, in particular among individuals with smaller apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) isoforms than those with larger sizes. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate whether Lp(a) levels could predict early vascular aging, and whether smaller apo(a) isoforms had a predictive value for vascular aging different than larger apo(a) isoforms in a cohort of subjects free from CVD. We considered the data of a subset of Brisighella Heart Study (BHS) participants free from CVD (462 men and 516 women) who were clinically evaluated during the 2012 BHS population survey. Predictors of arterial stiffness, measured as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were estimated by the application of a step-wise linear regression model. In our cohort, there were 511 subjects with small apo(a) size and 467 subjects with large apo(a) isoforms. Subjects with larger apo(a) isoform sizes had significantly lower serum levels of Lp(a). In the BHS subpopulation sample, cfPWV was predicted by age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and sex, higher HDL-C serum levels and female sex associated with lower values of cfPWV. In subjects with smaller apo(a) isoform sizes, predictors of cfPWV were age, SBP, sex and serum levels of HDL-C, being higher HDL-C serum levels and female sex associated to lower values of cfPWV. In subjects with larger apo(a) isoform sizes, cfPWV was predicted by age, SBP, serum levels of Lp(a) and sex, with female sex associated with lower values of cfPWV. In our subpopulation sample, Lp(a) did not predict cfPWV. However, in subjects with large apo(a) isoform sizes, Lp(a) was a significant predictor of arterial stiffness.

Efficacy and safety of inclisiran a newly approved FDA drug: a systematic review and pooled analysis of available clinical studies

Study objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety profile of treatment with inclisiran, a drug that has been recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Design

A systematic literature search was conducted in order to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect on lipoproteins and the safety profile of inclisiran.

Results

Data were pooled from 5 RCTs, which included 4226 subjects. Meta-analyses of data suggested that the multiple-dose regimens of inclisiran yielded a significant reduction in serum levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (MD = -78.23%, 95%CI: -86.74, -69.71) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -45.48%, 95%CI: -50.36%, -40.61%) throughout the studies. Furthermore, treatment with inclisiran significantly affected total cholesterol (MD = -13.67%, 95%CI: -20.78%, -6.57%), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 8.29%, 95%CI: 4.66%,11.93%), non-HDL cholesterol (MD = -39.45%, 95%CI: -43.6%, -35.31%), apolipoprotein B (MD = -34.58%, 95%CI: -38.78%, -30.78%) and lipoprotein(a) (MD = -20.9%, 95%CI: -25.8%, -15.99%). Multiple-dose regimens of inclisiran were associated with increased risk of injection-site reactions (any reaction: OR = 5.86, 95%CI: 3.44, 9.98; mild reactions: OR = 5.19, 95%CI: 1.68, 16.07; moderate reactions: OR = 13.37, 95%CI: 3.17, 56.46), and bronchitis (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.26), while the incidence of the pre-specified exploratory CV endpoint significantly decreased at 18 months (OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.94).

Conclusion and relevance

Inclisiran has favourable effects on serum lipid levels and an acceptable safety profile. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to explore its longer-term safety.

Sudden Fall in the Lipid-Lowering Effect of Evolocumab: The Butler Is Not Always Guilty

A 78-year-old man came to our attention after undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography documenting multivessel coronary artery disease. He was started on treatment with the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab 140 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks. Treatment-emergent changes in lipids and lipoproteins were long-lasting, and the medication was well tolerated by the patient in the long-term. Unexpectedly, after 2 years of continuous treatment with evolocumab, serum lipids increased, apparently without any reasonable explanation. During the follow-up visit, the patient was found to have habitually injected evolocumab into his right thumb instead of into the appropriate injection sites (i.e., abdomen, thighs or upper arms) after turning the injector upside down.

Sudden Fall in the Lipid-Lowering Effect of Evolocumab: The Butler Is Not Always Guilty

A 78-year-old man came to our attention after undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography documenting multivessel coronary artery disease. He was started on treatment with the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab 140 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks. Treatment-emergent changes in lipids and lipoproteins were long-lasting, and the medication was well tolerated by the patient in the long-term. Unexpectedly, after 2 years of continuous treatment with evolocumab, serum lipids increased, apparently without any reasonable explanation. During the follow-up visit, the patient was found to have habitually injected evolocumab into his right thumb instead of into the appropriate injection sites (i.e., abdomen, thighs or upper arms) after turning the injector upside down.

Evaluating pharmacokinetics of bempedoic acid in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia

Introduction: Bempedoic acid is a first-in-class low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering agent which offers an important opportunity for further LDL-C lowering in statin-intolerant patients or in patients requiring further LDL-C reduction despite maximally tolerated statin therapy.Areas covered: In this review, we examined the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of bempedoic acid, based on randomized clinical phase III clinical studies and their meta-analyses.Expert opinion: Unlike statins, bempedoic acid is administered as a prodrug and is converted to active form by a liver-specific enzyme. For the liver-specific mechanism of action, bempedoic acid has the potential to reduce the risk of muscle-related adverse events which can limit the utilization and effectiveness of statin therapy.

Effectiveness, Safety, and Adherence to Treatment of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors in Real Practice

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness, adverse reactions, and adherence to treatment of hypolipidemic inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9is) in a context of real clinical practice.

METHODS

We present an observational, retrospective, descriptive, multicenter study of patients with hypercholesterolemia who began treatment with PCSK9is between January 2017 and December 2019, with a minimum treatment period of 3 months. The main variable we recorded was the frequency of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina) in patients treated with PCSK9is. We recorded patient demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors at onset of treatment as well as LDL-C levels and their reductions at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. We calculated adherence to treatment and recorded the adverse reactions during treatment.

FINDINGS

A total of 154 patients were studied, 64 (41.6%) of whom were treated with alirocumab and 90 (58.4%) with evolocumab. The initial dose of alirocumab was 75 mg every 14 days in 48 patients (75%) and 150 mg eery 14 days in 16 (25%). All patients who in the evolocumab group received a dose of 140 mg every 14 days. The mean (SD) basal LDL-C level was 159.6 (50.1) mg/dL, the level at 3 months was 87.9 (49.9) mg/dL (mean [SD] decrease, 44.5% [28.2%]), the level at 6 months was 86.7 (49.2) mg/dL (mean [SD] decrease, 46.3% [25.6%]), and the level at 12 months was 80.5 (41.4) (mean [SD] decrease, 48.9% [23.0%]). These values were maintained at 24 months (mean [SD], 80.3 [41.8] mg/dL; mean [SD] decrease, 47.9% [27.8%]). The percentage decrease of LDL-C for both drugs was approximately 50%, which was maintained until 24 months after treatment. Six patients (3.9%) presented with some cardiovascular event: acute myocardial infarction (2 [1.3%]), stroke (1 [0.65%]), coronary revascularization (1 [0.65%]), and hospitalization for unstable angina (2 [1.3%]). We did not see any adverse reactions related to PCSK9i treatment in 76.5% of patients. In the first 6 months, adherence to treatment with PCSK9is, measured as the possession ratio, was a mean (SD) of 99.4% (3.9%). In the rest of the study period (6-24 months), the mean (SD) adherence to treatment was 99.2% (4.7%).

IMPLICATIONS

The frequency of cardiovascular events in patients treated with PCSK9is was low and occurred despite adequate adherence to treatment (100% possession ratio) with PCSK9is and concomitant treatment with other hypolipidemics. The effectiveness of PCSK9is is similar to that referred to in other published studies with PCSK9is, and this was maintained in the long term (24 months) with few adverse events, all of which were mild.

Personalized medicine in lipid-modifying therapy

The choice of lipid-modifying treatment is largely based on the absolute level of cardiovascular risk and baseline lipid profile. Statins are the first-line treatment for most patients requiring reduction of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors can be added to reach LDL-C targets. Statins have some adverse effects that are somewhat predictable based on phenotypic and genetic factors. Fibrates or omega-3 fatty acids can be added if triglyceride levels remain elevated. The RNA-targeted therapeutics in development offer the possibility of selective liver targeting for specific lipoproteins such as lipoprotein(a) and long-term reduction of LDL-C with infrequent administration of a small-interfering RNA may help to overcome the problem of adherence to therapy.

Estimating the public economic consequences of cardiovascular disease-attributable events and evolocumab treatment in Australia

BACKGROUND

Following cardiovascular events, individuals often make choices about their working life that pose fiscal costs for the government in relation to lost tax revenue, increasing disability or early retirement. We evaluate the fiscal consequences for the Australian Government in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients with low-density lipoprotein >3.3 mmol/L after the maximum tolerated doses of a statin or when contraindicated or intolerant to statins, compared to evolocumab added to the standard of care.

METHODS

The natural history of patients with ASCVD was evaluated using a multi-state Markov cohort model comparing evolocumab with current treatment practices. Published rates for the likelihood of being disabled and retiring prematurely in patients experiencing stroke or myocardial infarction were modeled. Reported government costs for annual disability payments and lost tax revenues from the nationally representative STINMOD + data set were used to estimate the fiscal consequences associated with attributable ASCVD events.

RESULTS

The incremental tax gain associated with evolocumab in someone aged 40, 50 or 60 results in additional tax revenues of Aus$15,716, Aus$9,810 and Aus$4,217, respectively. Cost-savings attributed to disability payments of Aus$3,483, Aus$2,495 and Aus$4,619 were observed in those aged 40, 50 and 60, respectively. The ratio of evolocumab to fiscal benefits indicates that up to 52% of evolocumab costs are offset by future lifetime taxes paid and reduced social benefits payments in those treated aged 40. The ratio of fiscal benefits to costs in treating those aged 50 and 60 were 37% and 31%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying a cross-sectorial government perspective budget impact assessment improves our understanding of fiscal changes attributed to ASCVD based on changes in premature mortality and work activity and how this influences lifetime tax contributions and public benefits. The main cost driver observed was associated with reduced ASCVD events that enabled people to remain productive and paying taxes.

The Effects of Diosgenin on Hypolipidemia and Its Underlying Mechanism: A Review

Hyperlipidemia is a disorder of lipid metabolism, which is a major cause of coronary heart disease. Although there has been considerable progress in hyperlipidemia treatment, morbidity and risk associated with the condition continue to rise. The first-line treatment for hyperlipidemia, statins, has multiple side effects; therefore, development of safe and effective drugs from natural products to prevent and treat hyperlipidemia is necessary. Diosgenin is primarily derived from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds, and is also abundant in medicinal herbs such as Dioscorea rhizome, Dioscorea septemloba, and Rhizoma polygonati, is a well-known steroidal sapogenin and the active ingredient in many drugs to treat cardiovascular conditions. There is abundant evidence that diosgenin has potential for application in correcting lipid metabolism disorders. In this review, we evaluated the latest evidence related to diosgenin and hyperlipidemia from clinical and animal studies. Additionally, we elaborate the pharmacological mechanism underlying the activity of diosgenin in treating hyperlipidemia in detail, including its role in inhibition of intestinal absorption of lipids, regulation of cholesterol transport, promotion of cholesterol conversion into bile acid and its excretion, inhibition of endogenous lipid biosynthesis, antioxidation and lipoprotein lipase activity, and regulation of transcription factors related to lipid metabolism. This review provides a deep exploration of the pharmacological mechanisms involved in diosgenin-hyperlipidemia interactions and suggests potential routes for the development of novel drug therapies for hyperlipidemia.

Will evinacumab become the standard treatment for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Introduction: Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a very severe genetic form of hypercholesterolemia. Lacking LDL receptors in the liver, subjects with HoFH have raised plasma levels of LDL cholesterol, and up to 100 times higher risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease than the general population.Areas covered: This evaluation is of a phase 3 trial of evinacumab; Evinacumab Lipid Studies in Patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (ELIPSE HoFH). Evinacumab is a human monoclonal antibody inhibitor of angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3). In ELIPSE HoFH, evinacumab reduced LDL cholesterol by 47.1 ± 4.6%, HDL cholesterol by 30.4%, and triglycerides by 50.4 ± 7.7%.Expert opinion: Evinacumab is not the ideal treatment for HoFH as it does not reduce LDL cholesterol levels to treatment targets while increasing HDL cholesterol. Although the incidence of adverse effects with evinacumab was low in ELIPSE HoFH, further studies are necessary to clarify its effects on liver enzymes and clinical cardiovascular outcomes. Evinacumab is a candidate to become the standard treatment for HoFH, as it may be better tolerated and/or more efficacious than the presently available specific treatment (lomitapide). However, the widespread use of evinacumab to treat high triglycerides or LDL cholesterol is unlikely due to evinacumab decreasing HDL cholesterol.

Platycodin D enhances LDLR expression and LDL uptake via down-regulation of IDOL mRNA in hepatic cells

The root of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asian country. Platycondin D (PD), triterpenoid saponin that is a main constituent of PG, exhibits various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. A previous study showed that PD had cholesterol-lowering effects in mice that develop hypercholesterolemia, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated during the last decade. Here, we demonstrated that both PG and PD markedly increased levels of cell surface low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) by down-regulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase named inducible degrader of the LDLR (IDOL) mRNA, leading to the enhanced uptake of LDL-derived cholesterol (LDL-C) in hepatic cells. Furthermore, cycloheximide chase analysis and in vivo ubiquitination assay revealed that PD increased the half-life of LDLR protein by reducing IDOL-mediated LDLR ubiquitination. Finally, we demonstrated that treatment of HepG2 cells with simvastatin in combination with PG and PD had synergistic effects on the improvement of LDLR expression and LDL-C uptake. Together, these results provide the first molecular evidence for anti-hypercholesterolemic activity of PD and suggest that PD alone or together with statin could be a potential therapeutic option in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Successful treatment of a patient with mitochondrial myopathy with alirocumab

A 48-year-old man presented to our lipid clinic with statin intolerance and elevated serum creatine kinase levels, being affected by mitochondrial myopathy because of heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA missense mutation in MTCO1 gene (m.7671T>A). He had just been treated with a coronary artery bypass 4 years before because of acute coronary syndrome, and he had consistently high levels of both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Dyslipidemia was successfully treated using 75 mg of alirocumab subcutaneously every 2 weeks, 10 mg of ezetimibe daily, 2 g of marine omega-3 fatty acids daily, and 145 mg of micronized fenofibrate every 2 days. Although muscle weakness persisted, myalgia did not reoccur and serum creatine kinase levels remained almost stable over the time.

Efficacy and safety of add on therapies in patients with hypercholesterolemia undergoing statin therapy

INTRODUCTION

Statins are the first-line treatment to reduce cardiovascular (CV) events, mainly by reducing low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), but many patients need additional treatments to reach the current lipid goals.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, the authors review the published literature on the efficacy and safety of the therapies that are most often added to statins to achieve lipid targets.

EXPERT OPINION

Ezetimibe is usually the first additional treatment to achieve LDL-C targets. It reduces LDL-C by about a further 20% and has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. The monoclonal antibody proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, evolocumab, and alirocumab, can reduce LDL-C by ≥50% when added to statins and they also have a well-established safety and tolerability record. The recently approved bempedoic acid is well tolerated and appears to be free of skeletal muscle-related problems, but the CV outcome study with this drug has not been completed. Inclisiran, a small-interfering RNA targeting PCSK9 is at an advanced stage of development and the available data indicate a satisfactory safety profile and LDL-C lowering efficacy similar to the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies with the advantage of less frequent administration.

Statin intolerance: an updated, narrative review mainly focusing on muscle adverse effects

INTRODUCTION

Statins have been established as the standard of care for dyslipidemia and preventing cardiovascular diseases while posing few safety concerns. However, misconceptions about statin intolerance lead to their underuse, indicating a need to improve the understanding of the safety of this treatment.

AREAS COVERED

We searched PubMed and reviewed literatures related to statin intolerance published between February 2015 and February 2020. Important large-scale or landmark studies published before 2015 were also cited as key evidence.

EXPERT OPINION

Optimal lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with statins substantially reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Muscle adverse events (AEs) were the most frequently reported AEs by statin users in clinical practice, but they usually occurred at a similar rate with statins and placebo in randomized controlled trials and had a spurious causal relationship with statin treatment. We proposed a rigorous definition for identifying true statin intolerance and present the criteria for defining different forms of muscle AEs and an algorithm for their management. True statin intolerance is uncommon, and every effort should be made to exclude false statin intolerance and ensure optimal use of statins. For the management of statin intolerance, statin-based approaches should be prioritized over non-statin approaches.

Efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bempedoic acid is a first-in-class lipid-lowering drug recommended by guidelines for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Our objective was to estimate its average effect on plasma lipids in humans and its safety profile.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of phase II and III randomized controlled trials on bempedoic acid (PROSPERO: CRD42019129687). PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched, with no language restriction, from inception to 5 August 2019. We included 10 RCTs (n = 3,788) comprising 26 arms (active arm [n = 2,460]; control arm [n = 1,328]). Effect sizes for changes in lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) serum concentration were expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For safety analyses, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Bempedoic acid significantly reduced total cholesterol (MD -14.94%; 95% CI -17.31%, -12.57%; p < 0.001), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -18.17%; 95% CI -21.14%, -15.19%; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -22.94%; 95% CI -26.63%, -19.25%; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein particle number (MD -20.67%; 95% CI -23.84%, -17.48%; p < 0.001), apolipoprotein B (MD -15.18%; 95% CI -17.41%, -12.95%; p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -5.83%; 95% CI -6.14%, -5.52%; p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein particle number (MD -3.21%; 95% CI -6.40%, -0.02%; p = 0.049), and hsCRP (MD -27.03%; 95% CI -31.42%, -22.64%; p < 0.001). Bempedoic acid did not significantly modify triglyceride level (MD -1.51%; 95% CI -3.75%, 0.74%; p = 0.189), very-low-density lipoprotein particle number (MD 3.79%; 95% CI -9.81%, 17.39%; p = 0.585), and apolipoprotein A-1 (MD -1.83%; 95% CI -5.23%, 1.56%; p = 0.290). Treatment with bempedoic acid was positively associated with an increased risk of discontinuation of treatment (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.06, 1.76; p = 0.015), elevated serum uric acid (OR 3.55; 95% CI 1.03, 12.27; p = 0.045), elevated liver enzymes (OR 4.28; 95% CI 1.34, 13.71; p = 0.014), and elevated creatine kinase (OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.06, 13.51; p = 0.04), though it was strongly associated with a decreased risk of new onset or worsening diabetes (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39, 0.90; p = 0.01). The main limitation of this meta-analysis is related to the relatively small number of individuals involved in the studies, which were often short or middle term in length.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that bempedoic acid has favorable effects on lipid profile and hsCRP levels and an acceptable safety profile. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore its longer-term safety.

Biotechnology Approaches for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in the development of lipid-lowering therapies, clinical trials have shown that a significant residual risk of cardiovascular disease persists. Specifically, new drugs are needed for non-responding or statin-intolerant subjects or patients considered at very high risk for cardiovascular events even though are already on treatment with the best standard of care.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Besides, genetic and epidemiological studies and Mendelian randomization analyses have strengthened the linear correlation between the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the incidence of cardiovascular events and highlighted various novel therapeutic targets. This review describes the novel strategies to reduce the levels of LDL-C, non-HDL-C, triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, and Lp(a), focusing on those developed using biotechnology-based strategies.

Efficacy and Safety of Volanesorsen (ISIS 304801): the Evidence from Phase 2 and 3 Clinical Trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To revise the clinical evidence supporting the use of volanesorsen as new lipid-lowering drug and to assess the efficacy and safety of volanesorsen (ISIS 304801) through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the available phase 2 and phase 3 clinical studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The meta-analysis of three clinical studies comprising 11 arms (N = l 156 subjects, with 95 in the active-treated arm and 61 in the control one) shows that volanesorsen significantly affects plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) [MD = - 67.90%, 95%CI = - 85.32, - 50.48, P < 0.001], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [MD = 40.06%, 95%CI: 32.79, 47.34, P < 0.001], very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) [MD = - 72.90%, 95%CI = - 82.73, - 63.07, P < 0.001], apolipoprotein B (Apo B) [MD = 8%, 95%CI = 2.17, 13.84, P = 0.007], Apo B-48 [MD = - 64.63, 95%CI = - 105.37, - 23.88, P = 0.002], ApoCIII [MD = - 74.83%, 95%CI = - 85.93, - 63.73, P < 0.001], and VLDL ApoCIII [MD = - 83.69%, 95%CI = - 94.08, - 73.29, P < 0.001], without significant impact on LDL-C [MD = 47.01%, 95%CI = - 1.31, 95.33, P = 0.057] levels. Treatment with volanesorsen was associated with an higher risk of injection site reaction (OR = 32.89, 95%CI = 7.97,135,74, P < 0.001) and with an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections (OR = 10.58, 95%CI = 1.23, 90.93, P < 0.05) when compared to placebo. Volanesorsen has a relevant impact on plasma TG and related parameters without affecting LDL cholesterolemia and is associated with an acceptable safety profile.

Emerging lipid lowering agents targeting LDL cholesterol

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. ASCVD is caused by elevated levels of ApoB lipoproteins, which over many years penetrate the arterial subendothelial space leading to plaque growth and eventually rupture causing clinical symptoms. ApoB lipoprotein levels are approximated in clinical practice by LDL-C measurement. LDL-C lowering agents (statins, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors) reduce cardiovascular risk in primary and secondary prevention proportionally to LDL-C reduction (23% per 1 mmol/L of LDL). However, for a variety of reasons, many patients do not achieve their recommended LDL-C levels using currently available therapies. This has prompted the development of new LDL-C lowering drugs in the hope to reduce cardiovascular risk, such as bempedoic acid, inclisiran, gemcabene and evinacumab. Drugs targeting other lipids (triglycerides, HDL-C, lipoprotein (a)), intravascular inflammation or acting by other mechanisms also have a role in atherosclerosis prevention, however, they will not be covered in this review.

The Efficacy of Squalene in Cardiovascular Disease Risk-A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Squalene (SQ), an intermediate for the cholesterol biosynthesis, has been proposed to act similarly to statins via inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in the liver.

PURPOSE

This paper explores the effects of SQ in CVD.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify relevant studies about SQ and CVD. A comprehensive search in Medline and Scopus for relevant studies published between the years 1946 and 2019 was performed. The main inclusion criteria were that the study was published in English; that the study reported association or effect of SQ and CVD; and that CVD should be related to lifestyle variables, aging, or experimentally induced conditions.

RESULTS

The literature searches identified 5562 potentially relevant articles, whereby 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. There were three human studies and 18 animal experimental studies included in this paper. Only one human study reported positive outcome of SQ in CVD. The remaining two studies reported inconsistent and/or no effect. For animal studies, 15 studies reported positive effect while the remaining reported negative and/or no effect of SQ on various related parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence-based review emphasizes the potential of SQ being used for cardiovascular-related diseases. The effect of SQ, especially of plant-based warrants further exploration. Controlled human observational studies should be performed to provide comprehensive evidence.