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VIDEO: ODYSSEY trials demonstrate PCSK9 inhibitor efficacy, raise awareness of HeFH
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LONDON — In this video, Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Editor of Cardiology Today’s Intervention, outlines results from four studies from the ODYSSEY program presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.
The four trials evaluated approximately 1,250 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) within the ODYSSEY program, assessing the use of the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab (Praluent, Sanofi/Regeneron) in addition to the maximally tolerated statin dose in this population.
Bhatt acknowledged the "large, clinically significant reductions in LDL" observed with PCSK9 inhibitor treatment in this study, and that approximately 80% of patients were able to reach LDL goals. He also highlighted the importance of these studies given the growing field of FH.
Bhatt said that cardiologists and primary care physicians have underestimated the prevalence of heterozygous FH (HeFH), particularly among patients with advanced atherosclerosis and early ischemic events.
He concluded that, in addition to the data on use of PCSK9 inhibitors in this population, the ODYSSEY program studies have also raised awareness of HeFH, and will help to improve both understanding and treatment of patients with this disease.