alirocumab

Alirocumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that acts as a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor. It is used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, "bad" cholesterol) in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and unstable angina in adults with established cardiovascular disease or primary hyperlipidemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Alirocumab works by binding to PCSK9, preventing it from degrading LDL receptors on liver cells. This increases the number of LDL receptors available to clear LDL-C from the bloodstream. It was first approved by the FDA in July 2015 and is administered via subcutaneous injection[1][2][3][4][8].

Brand names

Praluent

Other names

Anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody - Regeneron/SanofiAnti-proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 monoclonal antibody - Regeneron/Sanofi