Evidence show experimental cholesterol drugs like Evolocumab by Amgen and Alirocumab by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals can reduce occurrences of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers show evident proofs of the studies.
The two drugs, Evolocumab and Alirocumab, suppress a protein called PCSK9, which aids in regulating cholesterol. The studies show both drugs minimize bad cholesterol to about 60 percent. In proven instances, patients take statins to decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol levels, like those taking Lipitor, a prevalent lipid-lowering medicine.
However, the main concern is whether these drugs help medical practitioners and patients eliminate or minimize heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular problems. Nearly half the percentage of cardiovascular illnesses is expected to be reduced once the drugs are taken.
In the Evolocumab study, about 4,465 patients of various degrees of cardiovascular risk were involved. Over half of them were indiscriminately chosen to take the drug besides existing medication. After a year, 0.95 percent had a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problem. It's in comparison to 2.18 percent on those who didn't take at all. The hazard ratio on those risked of cardiovascular occurrences was reduced to 53 percent
In the study of Alirocumab, 2,341 patients were involved. After more than a year, the rate of cardiovascular occurrences was 1.7 percent on those taking it, versus 3.3 percent on those who took medication. Overall ratio of risk was reduced to 48 percent.
As published in The New England Journal of Medicine, these studies are currently presented to the American College of Cardiology 2015 Annual Meeting, which takes place today in San Diego. The said drugs are evaluated as to whether it is safe and can lower bad cholesterol. Results of the studies are yet to be confirmed, where completion sets in 2017.
However, these drugs will be approved by the Food and Drug Administration this summer. Analysts say millions who are statins tolerant or find statins impossible to lower their cholesterol levels may take it. Annual sales are also expected to soar in billions of dollars.