The therapeutic potential of PCSK9 inhibition in primary dyslipidemia, the example from SAR236553/REGN727

Abstract

The proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease that has recently emerged as a potential target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. SAR236553/REGN727 is a highly specific monoclonal antibody to PCSK9 that significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in healthy volunteers and in subjects with hypercholesterolemia in three Phase-I studies. It was subsequently tested in a recent Phase-II study in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia with impressive results. In this report the trial is discussed along with the significance of the results in guiding further research in PCSK9 inhibition.

Keywords::

• dyslipidemia
• PCSK9
• SAR236553/REGN727
• trial