An injectable small interfering ribonucleic acid therapy for lowering low density lipoprotein in certain adults.
Tradename Leqvio.
It is subcutaneously injected twice a year after two initial injections administered three months apart.
Indicated for adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease including those who’ve had a myocardial infarction or stroke or for adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who still require LDL-C reduction despite maximal tolerated statin therapy.
It reduces the production of proprotein converters subtilisin/kexin type9, an enzyme produced in the liver that increases the blood levels of LDL-C by binding with hepatocyte receptors that would capture LDL-C rather than release it.
Reduces LDL-C by 40 to 50%.
Adverse events: injection site reaction, joint stiffness, UTI, diarrhea, bronchitis, pain in the extremities, difficulty breathing.