Alirocumab addition to statins significantly regresses plaque in non infarct-related coronary arteries
Statins have been shown to reduce cardiovascular adverse events in patients with atherosclerotic disease. In a recent study, researchers have reported that the addition of the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab to high-intensity statin therapy in patients presenting with AMI resulted in favourable effects on coronary atherosclerosis. The study findings were published in the JAMA on April 03, 2021.
Statins can halt the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. However, the effect of the proprotein convertase subtilisin Kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab added to statin therapy on plaque burden and composition remains largely unknown. Therefore, Dr Lorenz Räber and his team conducted a study to determine the effects of alirocumab on coronary atherosclerosis using serial multimodality intracoronary imaging in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
The PACMAN-AMI (Effects of the PCSK9 Antibody Alirocumab on Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial in which the researchers included 300 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. All patients received a high daily dose of the statin drug rosuvastatin (20 mg) and were randomized to receive biweekly subcutaneous alirocumab (150 mg; n = 148) or placebo (n = 152) for 2 weeks. The first injection was administered less than 24 hours after the insertion of a stent while patients were still in the hospital for their heart attacks.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.