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Evolocumab: First Global Approval

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Abstract

Evolocumab (Repatha™) is a fully human monoclonal antibody developed by Amgen that has been approved as a treatment for hypercholesterolaemia in the EU, and is awaiting approval in the USA and Japan. It specifically binds proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)—a negative regulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptors—thereby improving the ability of the liver to bind LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), leading to reduced LDL-C blood levels. The drug reduces LDL-C levels in patients with hypercholesterolaemia when used as monotherapy or in conjunction with a statin. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of evolocumab leading to this approval for the treatment of adults with primary hypercholesterolaemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial) or mixed dyslipidaemia as an adjunct to diet with or without a statin and/or other lipid lowering therapies, and in adults and adolescents aged ≥12 years with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia in combination with other lipid lowering therapies.

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Disclosure

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from any comments received were made by the authors on the basis of scientific completeness and accuracy. A. Markham is a contracted employee of Adis, Springer SBM.

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    Anthony Markham

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Correspondence to Anthony Markham.

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This profile has been extracted and modified from the AdisInsight database. AdisInsight tracks drug development worldwide through the entire development process, from discovery, through pre-clinical and clinical studies to market launch and beyond.

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Markham, A. Evolocumab: First Global Approval. Drugs 75, 1567–1573 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-015-0460-4

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