Klin Farmakol Farm. 2016;30(4):11-13 | DOI: 10.36290/far.2016.035

Monoclonal antibodies in treating high cholesterol levels

Rostislav Večeřa

Ústav farmakologie, Lékařská fakulta Univerzity Palackého, Olomouc

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

Keywords: alirocumab, evolocumab, hypercholesterolemia, PCSK9, cholesterol

Received: August 31, 2019; Accepted: September 1, 2019; Prepublished online: September 1, 2019; Published: December 1, 2016  Show citation