Second injectable anti-cholesterol drug approved

2015

The USFDA has approved Repatha, an injectable anti-cholesterol drug for treatment of high cholesterol in patients who are diagnosed with high risk of heart disease but unresponsive to conventional statins. Repatha (Evolocumab) is a PCSK9 inhibitor that acts in the liver to lower LDL-cholesterol.

In June, 2015, an Advisory panel to the USFDA has recommended the approval of Repatha. Previously, the agency has approved Praluent (Alirocumab) for cholesterol treatment. The drug will be available in the market by 2017.

In clinical trials, Repatha treatment for 12 weeks has reduced the LDL-cholesterol levels by 60%, compared to placebo group.

Some of the reported adverse events of Repatha were flu-like symptoms, respiratory tract infections, lumbago, injection-site reactions including pain, bruising, erythema and allergic reactions.