Italy welcomes a groundbreaking advancement in cardiovascular care with the introduction of the new monthly administration of alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PCSK9. This innovative therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol levels by up to 66% in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. Administered through a cutting-edge auto-injector, patients can now conveniently self-administer the treatment in the comfort of their homes.
With cardiovascular diseases responsible for a staggering 34.8% of deaths in Italy, effective management of conditions like hypercholesterolemia is imperative. The monthly alirocumab regimen aims to address this need by halting the progression of atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of acute cardio-cerebral vascular events, aligning with the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines. These guidelines identify patients with acute coronary syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and diabetes mellitus as being at very high cardiovascular risk.
Clinical data has underscored the swift reduction in LDL cholesterol levels achieved with alirocumab, leading to a decrease in cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.
Marino Scherillo, Director of Interventional Cardiology at Aorn «San Pio» of Benevento, lauds the convenience and efficacy of the new monthly alirocumab, emphasizing the ease of self-administration facilitated by the auto-injector. Andrea Rizzi, representing Sanofi General Medicines, reaffirms the company’s dedication to innovation in addressing the needs of patients and caregivers in the cardio-metabolic domain.
Alirocumab is indicated for adults with primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Additionally, it is recommended for use in cases of proven atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Whether utilized in conjunction with statins or as a monotherapy, alirocumab presents a crucial therapeutic option for patients unable to attain target LDL cholesterol levels through conventional means.
