Adoption of pcsk9 inhibitors among patients with atherosclerotic disease

Elias J. Dayoub, Lauren A. Eberly, Ashwin S. Nathan, Sameed Ahmed M. Khatana, Srinath Adusumalli, Ann Marie Navar, Jay Giri, Peter W. Groeneveld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors represent a promising class of lipid-lowering therapy, although their use has been limited by cost concerns. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a nationwide commercial claims database com-prising patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), aged 18 to 64 years. We identified the number of patients with ASCVD started on a PCSK9 inhibitor from the dates of US Food and Drug Administration approval in quarter 3 2015 through quarter 2 2019. Secondary objectives identified the proportions of patients started on a PCSK9 inhibitor in various ASCVD risk groups based on statin use and baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We identified 126 419 patients with ASCVD on either PCSK9 inhibitor or statin therapy. Among these patients, 1168 (0.9%) filled a prescription for a PCSK9 inhibi-tor. The number of patients initiating a PCSK9 inhibitor increased from 2 patients in quarter 3 2015 to 119 patients in quarter 2 2019, corresponding to an increase from 0.05% to 2.5% of patients with ASCVD already on statins who started PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. Of patients with ASCVD with high adherence to a high-intensity statin, 13 643 had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥70 mg/dL, and in this subgroup, 119 (0.9%) patients initiated a PCSK9 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients started PCSK9 inhibitors from 2015 through mid-2019, despite increasing trial evidence of ef-ficacy, guidelines recommending PCSK9 inhibitors in high-risk patients with ASCVD, and price reductions during this period. The magnitude of price reductions may not yet be sufficient to influence use management strategies aimed to limit PCSK9 inhibitor use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere019331
JournalJournal of the American Heart Association
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - May 4 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Access to care
  • Drug adoption
  • PCSK9 inhibitors
  • Secondary prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Adoption of pcsk9 inhibitors among patients with atherosclerotic disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this