PCSK9 inhibitors and managing cost in the managed care setting

Am J Manag Care. 2017 Jun;23(9 Suppl):S149-S155.

Abstract

In patients with hypercholesterolemia who have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or familial hypercholesterolemia, a new class of drugs may be helpful in reducing serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) beyond maximally tolerated statin therapy. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors lower LDL-C through a different mechanism of action than standard cholesterol-lowering therapies. Currently approved PCSK9 inhibitors are the monoclonal antibodies alirocumab and evolocumab. Although the drugs produce substantial reductions in LDL-C, cost issues and efficacy in preventing cardiovascular events should be evaluated when considering the adoption of PCSK9 inhibitors in the managed care setting.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / adverse effects
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / economics
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cost Control / economics
  • Cost Control / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / economics
  • Managed Care Programs / economics*
  • PCSK9 Inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • PCSK9 Inhibitors
  • PCSK9 protein, human
  • evolocumab
  • alirocumab