Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine

An investigational PCSK9 inhibitor with a different mechanism from existing drugs in this class has been shown to safely and effectively lower cholesterol levels.

Amgen's battle with Sanofi and Regeneron at the Supreme Court over its cholesterol drug Repatha on Monday has some drugmakers hoping a ruling will reshape US patent law and competition among companies that make antibody medicines.

AZD0780 — the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor — is lowering LDL cholesterol levels, report phase 1 trial investigators, but specialists are questioning the early findings.

Lerodalcibep, a third-generation PCSK9 inhibitor, reduced LDL by more than 50% vs placebo in patients with or at a high risk for CVD in the phase 3 LIBerate-HR trial.

PCSK9 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk for nonmelanoma skin cancer in older adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, in a retrospective cohort study.

Effects observed in inflammation and improved clinical outcomes