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Park D, Bea S, Bae JH, Lee H, Choe YJ, Shin JY, Kim H. PCSK9 Inhibitors and Infection-Related Adverse Events: A Pharmacovigilance Study Using the World Health Organization VigiBase. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2024; 11:465-475. [PMID: 38954190 PMCID: PMC11365897 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-024-00430-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are novel lipid-lowering agents used in patients with cardiovascular disease. Despite reassuring safety data from pivotal trials, increasing evidence from real-world studies suggests that PCSK9i increase the risk of bacterial and viral infections. Therefore, this study aimed to identify signals of infection-related adverse events (AEs) associated with PCSK9i. METHODS We performed an observational pharmacovigilance study using the World Health Organization's VigiBase, recorded up to December 2022. We included individual case safety reports (ICSRs) of PCSK9 inhibitors, alirocumab and evolocumab, and compared them with those of other drugs. Infection-related ICSRs were retrieved from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities System Organ Class 'infections and infestations.' RESULTS Among 114,293 reports (258,099 drug-AE pairs) related to PCSK9 inhibitors, 54% included female patients, 41% included patients aged ≥65 years, and 82% included patients who received evolocumab. Additionally, beyond AEs recognized by regulatory authorities, organ infections such as influenza (reporting odds ratio [ROR] 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.74-3.05), gastric infections (ROR 2.47, 95% CI 1.63-3.75), and kidney infections (ROR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06-1.73) were observed. Sensitivity analysis indicated a heightened risk of infection-related AEs associated with PCSK9i regardless of the specific drug type. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the labelled respiratory infections, six infection-related symptoms in the gastrointestinal, urinary, and renal organs were identified. Our findings support the need for systematic surveillance of infections among PCSK9i users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahyun Park
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sungho Bea
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hwan Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Hyesung Lee
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Young June Choe
- Department of Paediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju-Young Shin
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea.
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea.
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
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Bosch M, Danés I, Ballarín E, Marrero P, Vancells G, Ortiz-Zúñiga Á, Urquizu-Padilla M, Rial-Lorenzo N, Lozano-Torres J, Rodríguez-Luna D, Filippi-Arriaga F, Agustí A. Effectiveness and safety of alirocumab and evolocumab for hypercholesterolemia in a population with high cardiovascular risk. Med Clin (Barc) 2024:S0025-7753(24)00372-5. [PMID: 39003112 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The criteria for the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) more restrictive than those approved were established in Catalonia by the Health System (CatSalut) to improve their efficiency, with different LDL-C values from which to start treatment according to risk factors. The aim of the study is to analyse adherence to these criteria and results. METHODS A retrospective study of patients treated with PCSK9i at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital between 2016 and 2021 was performed using data from the Registry of Patients and Treatments and medical records. The degree of agreement with the CatSalut criteria, LDL-C-responders (decrease ≥30%), cardiovascular events and discontinuations were analysed. RESULTS A total of 193 patients treated with PCSK9i were followed for a median of 27 months (IQR 23). The median age was 61 (IQR 15); 62.7% were men. Seventy percent of the patients had non-familial hypercholesterolemia. Treatment was for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in 82.4% of cases. The median LDL-C decreased from 139 (IQR 52) to 59 (IQR 45) mg/dL. The percentage of LDL-C reduction was 61.0% (IQR 30). In 72.5% of patients, all CatSalut criteria for starting treatment were met. The rate of responders was 85.4%. During follow-up, 19 patients (9.8%) had a cardiovascular event, and 15 (7.7%) discontinued treatment, in two cases due to toxicity. CONCLUSION PCSK9i were used according to CatSalut criteria in three out of four cases. In this high-risk population, incidence of cardiovascular events was similar to that in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Bosch
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Immaculada Danés
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elena Ballarín
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Marrero
- Pharmacy Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Vancells
- Pharmacy Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángel Ortiz-Zúñiga
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Urquizu-Padilla
- Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Rial-Lorenzo
- Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Lozano-Torres
- Cardiology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Rodríguez-Luna
- Neurology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Filippi-Arriaga
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antònia Agustí
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
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Laufs U, Birkenfeld AL, Fraass U, Hohenstein B, Siegert C, Klotsche J, Steinhagen-Thiessen E, Pittrow D, Dexl S, Salmen S, Schettler VJJ, Parhofer KG. Novel Insights into the Management of Patients with Very High Cardiovascular Risk Eligible for PCSK9 Inhibitor Treatment: Baseline Findings from the PERI-DYS Study. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2024; 38:119-129. [PMID: 36178485 PMCID: PMC10876819 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-022-07386-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The PERI-DYS study aims to characterize two groups of patients with dyslipidaemia at very high CV risk: PCSK9i receivers and patients qualifying for but not receiving PCSK9i. METHODS This is an observational study by office-based and clinic-based physicians, mainly cardiologists and other internists in Germany, with data extracted from patient charts. CLINICALTRIALS gov identifier NCT03110432. RESULTS A total of 1659 patients were enrolled across 70 sites. The majority of patients (91.0%) were reported as having mixed dyslipidaemia or non-familial or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. At enrolment, 794 (47.9%) of patients were PCSK9i receivers (of these 65.9% ongoing, and 34.1% newly treated within 30 days before their baseline visit). Among PCSK9i receivers, the majority had evolocumab 140 mg (n = 632, 38.1% of total). PCSK9i receivers compared to non-receivers were about 2 years younger and had a lower proportion of males. In terms of comorbidities, they had (statistically significantly) more often CAD, and less often PAD, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and chronic renal disease. The calculated untreated median LDL-C was 187 mg/dl (IQR 127; 270) in ongoing PCSK9i receivers, 212 mg/dl (IQR 132; 277) in newly treated PCSK9i receivers, and 179 mg/dl (IQR 129; 257) in non-receivers. Physician-reported statin intolerance was much more common in the two PCSK9i receiver groups as compared to non-receivers (67.3% versus 15.3%). Consequently, patients in the PCSK9i groups received fewer concomitant statins. Mean total cholesterol (143 vs. 172 mg/dl) and LDL-C (69 vs. 99 mg/dl) were considerably lower in ongoing PCSK9i receivers compared to non-receivers. CONCLUSIONS PCSK9i receivers are characterized by higher baseline LDL-C and a higher portion of statin intolerance compared to those qualified for but not-receiving PCSK9i treatment. On-treatment, LDL-C was lower in PCSK9i receivers. Ongoing follow-up will determine the prognostic importance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Laufs
- Klinik und Poliklinik Für Kardiologie, Universitätsklinikum, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Andreas L Birkenfeld
- Innere Medizin IV - Diabetologie, Endokrinologie Und Nephrologie Am Universitätsklinikum, Tübingen, Germany
- Institut Für Diabetesforschung und Metabolische Erkankungen (IDM) des Helmholtz Zentrums München, Partner des Deutschen Zentrums Für Diabetesforschung (DZD E.V.), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Bernd Hohenstein
- Nephrologisches Zentrum Villingen-Schwenningen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - David Pittrow
- Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
- Innovationszentrum Real-World Evidence, GWT-TUD GmbH, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Klaus G Parhofer
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Sudano I, Krähenbühl S, Mach F, Anstett A, Dhalwani N, Bridges I, Sibartie M, Ray KK. Evolocumab use in clinical practice in Switzerland: final data of the observational HEYMANS cohort study. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 18:17539447231213288. [PMID: 38183273 PMCID: PMC10771737 DOI: 10.1177/17539447231213288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The HEYMANS study observed patients receiving evolocumab as part of routine clinical hyperlipidemia management. It was designed to capture data on clinical parameters relevant to health authorities and physicians. METHODS This was a European multi-country observational cohort serial chart review study; data on the Swiss cohort are reported here. Patients were prescribed evolocumab as per the Swiss reimbursement criteria in force at the time and were invited chronologically. The study consisted of a 6-month period prior to initiation of evolocumab, a 12-month core observation period (entered by 75 patients, completed by 74 patients), and an 18-month extended observation period (entered by 40 patients, completed by 34 patients). The primary objective was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients receiving evolocumab. Secondary objectives included to describe lipid levels, evolocumab use, and patterns of use of other lipid-lowering therapies (LLT, that is, statins and/or ezetimibe) over time. The study was conducted in the Swiss cohort between May 2017 and June 2021. RESULTS Patients who received evolocumab in Swiss routine practice mostly were in secondary prevention (93%) and had a history of statin intolerance (85%) with 53% receiving no background LLT. One-third had familial hypercholesterolemia. Patients initiated evolocumab at a median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 3.6 mmol/L, which decreased by 54% within 3 months to 1.6 mmol/L and was stable thereafter. Overall, 61% achieved the LDL-C goal of <1.4 mmol/L with more patients attaining this goal when they received evolocumab with a statin and/or ezetimibe (84%) compared to 41% when receiving evolocumab alone. An LDL-C reduction of ⩾50% was achieved by 85% of patients. Persistence with evolocumab at 12 months was 85%. CONCLUSION In Swiss clinical practice, evolocumab was mainly prescribed to patients with very high cardiovascular risk, who had very high LDL-C levels. Most patients continued to use evolocumab throughout the study period. In these patients, LDL-C was reduced by >50% within 3 months and LDL-C reductions were maintained over time. Guideline-recommended LDL-C goals for this very high-risk cohort were more frequently attained in patients receiving a combination of statin and/or ezetimibe and evolocumab. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02770131.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Sudano
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - François Mach
- Department of Cardiology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Nafeesa Dhalwani
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Ian Bridges
- International Biostatistics, Amgen Ltd, Uxbridge, UK
| | | | - Kausik K. Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Gupta M, Wani RJ, Al Faraidy K, Bergeron J, Contreras E, Peña AAG, Mancini GBJ, Padilla F, Lopez AAP, Philip K, Wu J, Mackinnon ES. Real-World Insights into Evolocumab Use in Patients with Hyperlipidemia Across Five Countries: Analysis from the ZERBINI Study. Cardiol Ther 2023; 12:703-722. [PMID: 37804438 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-023-00334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study characterizes patients receiving evolocumab in clinical practice and assesses treatment effectiveness, safety and persistence outcomes across five countries. METHODS This retrospective and prospective observational study enrolled patients initiated on evolocumab during August 2017 to July 2019 at 49 sites across Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Medical records data were extracted within 6 months prior to (baseline) and every 3 months for 12 months post evolocumab initiation and reported as available. RESULTS A total of 578 patients were enrolled (40.1% female, median age 60 [interquartile range (IQR) 51-68] years); 83.7% had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or familial hypercholesterolemia. Median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at baseline was 3.4 (IQR 2.7-4.2) mmol/L (131.5 [IQR 104.4-162.4] mg/dL), with 75.6% of patients receiving a statin (59.2% high intensity). Compared to baseline, the median lowest LDL-C was reduced by 70.2% and remained stable over 12 months of treatment. Guideline-recommended LDL-C thresholds < 1.8, < 1.4 and < 1.0 mmol/L (< 70, < 55 and < 40 mg/dL) were achieved by 75.3%, 63.6% and 47.4% of patients. LDL-C outcomes were consistent across high- and very high-risk patients. Background lipid-lowering therapy remained relatively stable. No serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported, and persistence to evolocumab was 90.2% at 12 months. CONCLUSION These findings provide real-world evidence that evolocumab use is in accordance with its international guideline-recommended place in dyslipidemia therapy, as well as confirmation of its effectiveness and safety in a heterogeneous population. Evolocumab can address a healthcare gap in the management of dyslipidemia by increasing the proportion of patients achieving LDL-C goals recommended to lower cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and the Canadian Collaborative Research Network, 3 Conestoga Dr., Suite 200, Brampton, ON, L6Z 4N5, Canada
| | - Rajvi J Wani
- Amgen Canada Inc., 6775 Financial Dr., Suite 300, Mississauga, ON, L5N 0A4, Canada
| | - Khalid Al Faraidy
- ICT Department, Interventional Cardiology, King Fahad Military Medical City, Main Hospital Building No 111, Abqaiq Rd., PO Box 946, 31932, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jean Bergeron
- Departments of Medicine and of Laboratory Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, C-00-224, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Eduardo Contreras
- Clinica de Occidente - Angiografia de Occidente, Cl. 18 Nte. #5-34, San Vicente, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Angel Alberto Garcia Peña
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Kra 7° #40-62, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - G B John Mancini
- Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 6th floor, 2635 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Francisco Padilla
- Clinical and Interventional Research, Cardiovascular Center Chapalita, TARASCOS 3469-517 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Abel Alberto Pavia Lopez
- Clinical and Interventional Cardiology, Centro Medico ABC, Sur 136 No. 116, Col. Las Americas, Alvaro Obregon, 01120, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kiran Philip
- Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Johnny Wu
- Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - Erin S Mackinnon
- Amgen Canada Inc., 6775 Financial Dr., Suite 300, Mississauga, ON, L5N 0A4, Canada.
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Sbrana F, Dal Pino B, Bigazzi F, Ripoli A, Corciulo C, Lo Surdo G, Biagini S, Sampietro T. Major cardiovascular events increase in long-term proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors therapy: the Tuscany cost-effective study. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:808-814. [PMID: 37773882 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) represent a breakthrough in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to perform a multicentre prospective analysis on the effects of PCSK9i since their distribution in Italy. METHODS During the study period (July 2017 to February 2022) 246 patients (mean age 61 ± 11 years, male 73%) who were evolocumab (142/246) or alirocumab (104/246) new users were enrolled in the CERTI (Costo Efficacia Regione Toscana Inibitori PCSK9) study. Lipid value, adverse events (AEs), major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and intima-media thickness were analysed. RESULTS PCSK9i therapy allowed a significant improvement in patients' lipid profile [total cholesterol -35%, P < 0.001; triglycerides -9%, P < 0.05; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol -51%, P < 0.001; Lp(a) levels -4%, P < 0.05], maintained during the follow-up. No significant variations in intima-media thickness were observed. In the subgroup of patients with more than 1 year of PCSK9i therapy (165/246 patients) we highlighted: a 66% reduction in MACEs compared with the year before recruitment; a progressive increase in MACEs during the follow-up (MACEs event/rate at first year 0.08 vs. MACEs event/rate at year 5: 0.47); a patients cluster with late MACEs older, with higher prevalence of hypertension, smoking habit and peripheral vascular disease. During the follow-up, we recorded AEs in 31% of patients, which mainly resulted in reduction/discontinuation of lipid-lowering therapy for 50 patients or in discontinuation/shift of PCSK9i (respectively 8 and 6 cases). CONCLUSION Our data agree with the large evidence on the effectiveness/tolerability of PCSK9i therapy; however, although PCSK9i represents a good cholesterol-lowering therapeutic option, our study shows a progressive increase in MACEs during the late follow-up that deserve further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sbrana
- UO Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa
| | - Beatrice Dal Pino
- UO Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa
| | - Federico Bigazzi
- UO Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa
| | - Andrea Ripoli
- UO Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa
| | - Carmen Corciulo
- UO Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa
| | - Giuseppa Lo Surdo
- UOC Farmacia Ospedaliera, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Massa, Italy
| | - Stefania Biagini
- UOC Farmacia Ospedaliera, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Massa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Sampietro
- UO Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa
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Raschi E, Casula M, Cicero AFG, Corsini A, Borghi C, Catapano A. Beyond statins: New pharmacological targets to decrease LDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular events. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108507. [PMID: 37567512 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacological treatment of dyslipidemia, a major modifiable risk factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), remains a debated and controversial issue, not only in terms of the most appropriate therapeutic range for lipid levels, but also with regard to the optimal strategy and sequence approach (stepwise vs upstream therapy). Current treatment guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia focus on the intensity of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, stratified according to risk for developing ASCVD. Beyond statins and ezetimibe, different medications targeting LDL-C have been recently approved by regulatory agencies with potential innovative mechanisms of action, including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 modulators (monoclonal antibodies such as evolocumab and alirocumab; small interfering RNA molecules such as inclisiran), ATP-citrate lyase inhibitors (bempedoic acid), angiopoietin-like 3 inhibitors (evinacumab), and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors (lomitapide). An understanding of their pharmacological aspects, benefit-risk profile, including impact on hard cardiovascular endpoints beyond LDL-C reduction, and potential advantages from the patient perspective (e.g., adherence) - the focus of this evidence-based review - is crucial for practitioners across medical specialties to minimize therapeutic inertia and support clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Raschi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Manuela Casula
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - Arrigo F G Cicero
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS AOU S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Borghi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS AOU S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Khambholja K, Gehani M. Use of Structured Template and Reporting Tool for Real-World Evidence for Critical Appraisal of the Quality of Reporting of Real-World Evidence Studies: A Systematic Review. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:427-434. [PMID: 36210293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Real-world evidence (RWE) studies are increasingly being used to support healthcare decisions. Various frameworks, tools, and checklists exist for ensuring quality of real-world data, designing robust studies, and assessing potential for bias. In January 2021, Structured Template and Reporting Tool for RWE (STaRT-RWE) was released to further reduce ambiguity, assumptions, and misinterpretation while planning, implementing, and reporting RWE studies of the safety and effectiveness of treatments. The objective of this study was to identify gaps in the reporting quality of published RWE studies by using this template for critical appraisal. METHODS Two reviewers conducted a keyword search on PubMed for free-full-text research articles using real-world data, RWE design, and safety with or without effectiveness outcomes of a medicinal product or intervention in humans of any age or gender, published in English between January 13, 2021, and January 13, 2022. Assessment of risk of bias was done using Assessment of Real-World Observational Studies critical appraisal tool. Deficiencies in methods and findings as per STaRT-RWE template were reported as frequencies. RESULTS A total of 54 of 2374 retrieved studies were included in the review. Based on the STaRT-RWE template, the studies inadequately reported empirically defined covariates, power and sample size calculation, attrition, sensitivity analyses, index date (day 0) defining criterion, predefined covariates, outcome, metadata about data source and software, objective, inclusion and exclusion criteria, analysis specifications, and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The use of STaRT-RWE template along with its tables, design diagram, and library of published studies has a potential of improving robustness of RWE studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Khambholja
- Department of Medical Writing and Real World Evidence, Genpro Research Inc, Waltham, MA, USA.
| | - Manish Gehani
- Department of Medical Writing and Real World Evidence, Genpro Research Pvt Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Jia X, Al Rifai M, Saeed A, Ballantyne CM, Virani SS. PCSK9 Inhibitors in the Management of Cardiovascular Risk: A Practical Guidance. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2022; 18:555-566. [PMID: 35898405 PMCID: PMC9309324 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s275739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are potent medications in the toolkit for treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These agents have been well studied in clinical trials supporting their efficacy in dramatically reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and impact on cardiovascular outcomes. Since the approval of commercial use for PCSK9 inhibitors in 2015, we have also gained significant experience in the use of these therapeutics in the real-world setting. In this article, we review current guideline recommendations, clinical trial evidence on efficacy and safety as well as data on cost-effectiveness, prescription and adherence. We focus primarily on the monoclonal antibody class of PCSK9 inhibitors in this review while also touching on other types of therapeutics that are under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Jia
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mahmoud Al Rifai
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anum Saeed
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Salim S Virani
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
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