inclisiran
Pronunciation: in-KLIS-ih-ran
Small interfering RNA therapy that reduces PCSK9 production, administered by subcutaneous injection twice yearly.
Full Definition
Inclisiran is a first-in-class small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic that targets PCSK9 messenger RNA for degradation, thereby reducing PCSK9 protein production in hepatocytes. This mechanism leads to increased LDL receptor expression on liver cells and enhanced clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood. Unlike monoclonal antibody PCSK9 inhibitors that require monthly or bimonthly injections, inclisiran is administered subcutaneously just twice yearly after an initial loading dose regimen. The drug represents a significant advance in lipid management for high-risk patients, offering sustained LDL cholesterol reduction with minimal injection frequency, potentially improving medication adherence compared to other injectable lipid-lowering therapies.
Usage
Usage note: Brand name Leqvio should be capitalized; emphasize twice-yearly dosing as key differentiator.
In Context
- "Inclisiran reduced LDL cholesterol by over 50% with twice-yearly dosing in the ORION clinical trials." — Medical literature
- "The patient preferred inclisiran over monthly PCSK9 inhibitor injections due to the reduced dosing frequency." — Clinical documentation