Lipoprotein(a) reductions from PCSK9 inhibition and major adverse cardiovascular events: Pooled analysis of alirocumab phase 3 trials
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background and aims: Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are considered a causal factor for cardiovascular disease. In phase 3 ODYSSEY trials, alirocumab reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Lp(a), with concomitant reductions in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We assessed whether lower on-study and greater percentage reductions in Lp(a) are associated with a lower risk of MACE. Methods: Post-hoc analysis of data pooled from 10 phase 3 ODYSSEY trials comparing alirocumab with control (placebo or ezetimibe) in patients (n = 4983) with cardiovascular disease and/or risk factors, and hypercholesterolemia despite statin/other lipid-lowering therapies. Results: Median (Q1, Q3) baseline Lp(a) levels were 23.5 (8.0, 67.0) mg/dL. Median Lp(a) changes from baseline with alirocumab were −25.6% vs. −2.5% with placebo (absolute reductions 6.8 vs. 0.5 mg/dL) in placebo-controlled trials, and −21.4% vs. 0.0% with ezetimibe (4.5 vs. 0.0 mg/dL) in ezetimibe-controlled trials. During follow-up (6699 patient-years), 104 patients experienced MACE. A 12% relative risk reduction in MACE per 25% reduction in Lp(a) (p=0.0254) was no longer significant after adjustment for LDL-C changes: hazard ratio per 25% reduction: 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.79–1.01; p=0.0780). In subgroup analysis, the association between Lp(a) reduction and MACE remained significant in a fully adjusted model among participants with baseline Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL (p-interaction vs. Lp(a) < 50 mg/dL: 0.0549). Conclusions: In this population, Lp(a) reductions were not significantly associated with MACE independently of LDL-C reductions. Reducing the risk of MACE by targeting Lp(a) may require greater reductions in Lp(a) with more potent therapies and/or higher initial Lp(a) levels.
Date Issued
2019-09
Date Acceptance
2019-06-06
Citation
Atherosclerosis, 2019, 288, pp.194-202
ISSN
0021-9150
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
194
End Page
202
Journal / Book Title
Atherosclerosis
Volume
288
Copyright Statement
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/BY-NC-ND/4.0/).T
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002191501931353X?via%3Dihub
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Cardiovascular System & Cardiology
PCSK9
Alirocumab
lipoprotein(a)
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Cardiovascular risk
Cholesterol-lowering drugs
STATIN THERAPY
DOUBLE-BLIND
FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA
TARGETING APOLIPOPROTEIN(A)
RISK PATIENTS
LDL-C
EFFICACY
SAFETY
CHOLESTEROL
EZETIMIBE
Alirocumab
Cardiovascular risk
Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
PCSK9
lipoprotein(a)
Cardiovascular System & Hematology
1103 Clinical Sciences
1102 Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-06-08