ODYSSEY EAST: Alirocumab efficacy and safety vs ezetimibe in high cardiovascular risk patients with hypercholesterolemia and on maximally tolerated statin in China, India, and Thailand

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab significantly reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This study (ODYSSEY EAST) assessed the efficacy and safety of alirocumab vs ezetimibe in high cardiovascular risk patients from Asia. Patients (n = 615) from China, India, and Thailand with hypercholesterolemia at high cardiovascular risk on maximally tolerated statin were randomized (2:1) to alirocumab (75 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W]; with dose increase to 150 mg Q2W at week 12 if week 8 LDL-C was >1.81 mmol/L [>70 mg/dL]) or ezetimibe (10 mg daily) for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage change in calculated LDL-C from baseline to week 24. Safety was assessed throughout. Baseline data were similar in both groups. LDL-C levels were reduced from baseline to week 24 by 56.0% and 20.3% in the alirocumab and ezetimibe groups, respectively (P