Evolocumab to reduce cardiovascular events: results of the (FOURIER) multinational trial

[...]PCSK9 prevents recycling of the LDL receptor to the cell surface, thereby modifying LDL clearance. In two open-label, randomized extension studies (Open Label Study of Long Term Evaluation Against LDL-C Trial [OSLER]-1 and OSLER-2, respectively), evolocumab in addition to standard lipid-lowering therapy elicited a sustained 61% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels (relative to the change in LDL cholesterol levels with standard therapy alone) [2]. The mean decrease in LDL cholesterol levels, as compared with a placebo, was 59% at 48 weeks; this result was paralleled by reductions in levels of non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (decrease of 51% in the evolocumab group), apolipoprotein B (46%), and triglycerides (16%), together with relatively small increases in HDL cholesterol (8%).