Novel therapeutic strategies for the homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Recent Pat Cardiovasc Drug Discov. 2013 Aug;8(2):143-50. doi: 10.2174/15748901112079990001.

Abstract

HoFH is an autosomal co-dominant disease with a prevalence of one in 1,000,000. Mutations of LDL-R gene are responsible for this disease. HoFH needs to be distinguished from autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia protein (ARH) that causes a similar clinical phenotype. HoFH induces aggressive cardiovascular disease that can develop from birth. These patients possess high LDL-C levels, cutaneous and tendon xanthomas, and accelerated atherosclerosis shown in the first 2 decades of life. Current treatment modalities include life-style modifications, lipid-lowering therapy and LDL-apheresis. However, the treatment goal cannot be achieved only by statin therapy. New therapeutic strategies to lower LDL-C have been developed over recent years. These include monoclonal antibodies binding to PCSK9, inhibition of ApoB production and MTP-inhibitors. This review is focused on new treatments for HoFH and their patents. It is known to be an important contribution in this rare disease, which is difficult to manage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / genetics
  • Cholesterol, LDL / metabolism
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / drug therapy*
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / genetics
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / metabolism
  • Receptors, LDL / genetics
  • Receptors, LDL / metabolism

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Receptors, LDL