A recent article published by PhD Ajoy Basak in Biomolecules delves into the current landscape of cholesterol-lowering treatments, focusing on both oral and non-oral medications targeting PCSK9 and other biomolecules. The review assesses the efficacy, mechanisms, and future prospects of these therapies in managing hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases.

Aqur Biosciences, Inc. (“Aqur” or the “Company”), a bioscience company dedicated to pioneering next-generation cardiovascular therapies, is proud to announce the launch of its new brand identity — a reflection of the Company’s renewed strategic focus, innovative pipeline, and unwavering commitment to transforming patient care.

Verve Therapeutics has generated evidence its PCSK9 pivot could pay off. One year after dropping a base editing candidate over a safety signal, the biotech has shown its Eli Lilly-partnered successor can achieve similar cholesterol reductions without raising any red flags.

Positive results from the PURSUIT Phase IIb trial for AstraZeneca’s AZD0780 demonstrated a statistically significant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction when administered on top of standard-of-care statin therapy, as compared with placebo. AZD0780 is an investigational once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor for patients currently not reaching their LDL-C lowering goal despite standard-of-care lipid-lowering therapies such as statins.

The PCSK9 inhibitor market is projected to experience substantial growth due to its use in statin-intolerant patients, emerging strategies for PCSK9 inhibition, its potential applications across broader therapeutic areas, and its role in prophylactic treatment, which could help alleviate the burden of cardiovascular disease.

A recent article by Dr. Nicola Ferri (University of Padova, Italy) and PhD student Giorgia Marodin, published in Atherosclerosis Plus journal, highlights the significant progress in the pharmacological inhibition of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9). This therapeutic strategy has been firmly established as an effective approach to lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

RAHWAY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the initiation of the company’s Phase 3 clinical program, CORALreef, for MK-0616, an investigational, oral proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, being evaluated for the treatment of adults with hypercholesterolemia. This is the first Phase 3 clinical program for an oral PCSK9 inhibitor. The first participants are now enrolling in two registrational Phase 3 studies evaluating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction: CORALreef Lipids and CORALreef HeFH. Merck also plans to initiate a Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes study, CORALreef Outcomes by the end of 2023.