Alirocumab reduces cardiovascular events after acute coronary syndrome

Among patients with persistently high cholesterol despite high-intensity statin therapy, the proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor alirocumab reduced rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 15% compared with placebo, in a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 67th Annual Scientific Session. The drug’s effect was even greater for patients at highest risk€“those who started the study with LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, of 100 mg/dL or higher€“who saw a 24% reduction in cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, compared with placebo. The trial, called ODYSSEY Outcomes, was conducted in patients who had recently had an acute