PCSK9 Inhibitors Safe and Effective for CKD Patients, finds research

Researchers have found in a new study that PCSK9 inhibitors can be safely and effectively used for lipid-lowering therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those with advanced stages 4–5. The study, published in BMC Nephrology, assessed the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) among CKD patients who are at high cardiovascular risk. Statins are the standard therapy for lipid management, but their use in advanced kidney disease is often limited by safety concerns, side effects, and reduced efficacy. This has left a critical treatment gap for patients who remain at high risk of cardiovascular events. PCSK9 inhibitors, a class of monoclonal antibodies that target proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, work by preventing the degradation of LDL receptors and thereby enhancing LDL-C clearance from the bloodstream. According to the study, these drugs demonstrated significant LDL-C reduction across all CKD stages, without major adverse effects, even in patients with severe renal impairment. Importantly, the safety profile of PCSK9 inhibitors appeared favorable. Unlike statins, they did not show evidence of kidney function decline or muscle toxicity, making them a promising option for individuals who cannot tolerate or do not respond adequately to statins. The researchers also noted potential benefits in reducing inflammation and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, though more studies are needed to confirm these secondary effects.