Abstract

The review contains an analysis and comparison of randomised controlled trials to determine the efficacy of treatment for patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia. Intervention in trials was subject to atorvastatin treatment (established first line medication) or inclisiran (recently approved; subject to combination therapy). Outcome measures include the efficacy of both medications in treating hypercholesterolemia.

Introduction

Continuous pharmaceutical development in a range of first line treatments has produced a variety of newer drugs used in the treatment of various diseases. However, the arrival of newer agents often complements the continued use of older, more established drugs, as seen in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, highlighted by the continued use of statin medication. Destro and Barolo, 2022 state that the pharmaceutical industry “has been facing several challenges associated with the use of outdated development”. Whilst the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors as a whole in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia has been recently documented, the arrival of incilisran further expands the curiosity surrounding its applications as more than a combination therapy and its effectiveness as a recently approved medication.

Cardiovascular disease is estimated to cause 17.9 million deaths globally per year, with high numbers attributed to hypercholesterolemia as a highlighted cause (Cardiovascular diseases, 2023). The frequency and development of hypercholesterolemia further expand the doubt and curiosity about the continued use of statins as a first line medication, the validity of pharmaceutical developments in creating more effective treatments for challenging conditions; also the possibilities of inclisiran and possibly new PCSK9 inhibitors as an effective first line treatment therapy.

Under Processing (Review Completed)