New Research Shows Inclisiran Cuts Bad Cholesterol by 50%
High levels of bad cholesterol, also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. For many years, statins have been the go-to medication for lowering LDL cholesterol. However, not everyone can tolerate the potential side effects of statins, and some people may not see significant reductions in their LDL levels. Now, a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found that Inclisiran, a twice-yearly injection, can lower LDL cholesterol by nearly 50% in people not taking statins.
Inclisiran is a type of RNA interference (RNAi) therapy that targets the production of PCSK9, a protein that helps regulate cholesterol levels in the body. By reducing the amount of PCSK9, Inclisiran can lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The new study, which involved over 1,800 patients, found that Inclisiran reduced LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 47.8% compared to a placebo.
But the benefits of Inclisiran don’t stop there. The treatment also reduced other harmful fats, including non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), both of which are important markers of cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the study found that Inclisiran was well tolerated, with few patients experiencing serious side effects.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Lawrence A. Leiter, a cardiologist at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, expressed optimism about the results. “Inclisiran is a promising new treatment option for patients who are not adequately controlled by statins or who are intolerant of statins,” he said. “It’s a convenient, one-shot injection that can be given every six months, which is a significant advantage over daily pills.”
The study’s findings are significant because they offer a new alternative for patients who are seeking ways to lower their LDL cholesterol levels without using statins. While statins are effective at reducing LDL cholesterol, they can have significant side effects, including muscle pain, liver damage, and increased risk of diabetes. Inclisiran, on the other hand, is a once- or twice-yearly injection that can be used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
The study’s results are also significant because they highlight the potential benefits of RNAi therapy for treating cardiovascular disease. RNAi is a type of gene silencing that involves using small pieces of RNA to block the production of specific proteins. In the case of Inclisiran, the RNAi molecule targets the PCSK9 protein, which is involved in the regulation of cholesterol levels.
The study was funded by Novartis, the manufacturer of Inclisiran, and involved researchers from several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. The study’s findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in March and were published simultaneously in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
In conclusion, the new study on Inclisiran offers a promising new option for patients who are seeking ways to lower their LDL cholesterol levels without using statins. With its ability to lower LDL cholesterol by nearly 50%, reduce other harmful fats, and be well tolerated, Inclisiran is a significant advancement in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. As the study’s lead author noted, “Inclisiran is a promising new treatment option for patients who are not adequately controlled by statins or who are intolerant of statins.”
News Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/inclisiran-a-new-way-to-lower-bad-cholesterol-without-statins
