PCSK9 inhibitor – Cardiology MCQ

The PCSK9 inhibitor which was recently approved by US FDA: a) Evolocumab b) Alirocumab c) Infliximab d) Abciximab Correct answer: b) Alirocumab Both evolocumab and alirocumab are PCSK9 inhibitors (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors) [1]. PCSK9 inhibitors have been approved by US FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in those whom hypercholesterolemia is not controlled with diet and maximally tolerated statin treatment, if they have clinically manifest atherosclerotic disease like stroke or myocardial infarction [2]. Alirocumab can be given as a self administered subcutaneous injection once in two weeks using a prefilled pen [3]. Alirocumab when added to atorvastatin reduced LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) significantly better than that produced by adding ezetimibe or doubling of statin dose [4]. A recent meta analysis has documented that PCSK9 inhibitors evolocumab and alirocumab are safe and well tolerated [1]. They reduced LDL-C levels by more than fifty percent and increased HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels. LDL receptors in the liver are involved in removing LDL cholesterol from the blood. PCSK9 binds to LDL receptors in the liver, making them targets for lysosomal degradation. Inhibition of PCSK9 makes more LDL receptors available in liver for removing LDL cholesterol from the blood. Bococizumab is another monoclonal antibody type of PCSK9 inhibitor which is being evaluated in cardiovascular outcome trials [5...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Cardiology MCQ DM / DNB Cardiology Entrance Featured Alirocumab hypercholesterolemia proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors Source Type: blogs