PCSK9 inhibitor
Also written as: PCSK9 — Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
Injectable cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks PCSK9 protein function.
Full Definition
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are a class of powerful cholesterol-lowering medications administered by subcutaneous injection. These monoclonal antibodies work by binding to and inhibiting PCSK9, a protein that degrades LDL receptors, thereby increasing the number of LDL receptors available to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce LDL cholesterol by 50-60% and have demonstrated cardiovascular outcome benefits in high-risk patients. They are typically reserved for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or established cardiovascular disease who cannot achieve target cholesterol levels with statins and ezetimibe.
Usage
Usage note: Use Arabic numeral 9, not Roman IX; may hyphenate PCSK9-inhibitor.
In Context
- "PCSK9 inhibitor therapy reduced major cardiovascular events by 15% over median follow-up of 2.2 years." — Clinical trial report
- "The high cost of PCSK9 inhibitors limits their use to patients at very high cardiovascular risk." — Formulary review