Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerability of PCSK9 Targeted Therapy: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Increased plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are causally associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and statins that lower LDL-C have been the cornerstone of ASCVD prevention for decades. However, guideline-recommended LDL-C targets are not achieved in about 60% of statin users. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-targeted therapy effectively lowers LDL-C levels and has been shown to reduce ASCVD risk. A growing body of scientific and clinical evidence shows that PCSK9-targeted therapy offers an excellent safety and tolerability profile with a low incidence of side effects in the short term. In this review, we present and discuss the current clinical and scientific evidence pertaining to the long-term efficacy and tolerability of PCSK9-targeted therapy.