Top stories in cardiology: FDA approves oral anticoagulant antidote, inclisiran reduces LDL

Among the top stories in cardiology is the FDA approving andexanet alfa, the first antidote for patients treated with rivaroxaban and apixaban, when reversal of anticoagulation is needed. A clinical trial demonstrated that inclisiran, an RNA interference therapeutic, safely reduced LDL in various patient populations and subgroups. Other stories include a study that showed that adults who followed five low-risk lifestyle-related factors may prolong their life expectancy, Sanofi and Regeneron reaching an agreement with Express Scripts to offer alirocumab at a reduced price, and a novel method using non-HDL and triglyceride values estimated LDL better than the Friedewald method.

Antidote for certain direct oral anticoagulants receives FDA approval

Portola Pharmaceuticals announced the FDA approved andexanet alfa, the first antidote indicated for patients treated with rivaroxaban and apixaban, when reversal of anticoagulation is needed due to life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding. Read More.

Inclisiran reduces LDL in variety of populations

Inclisiran, an RNA interference therapeutic targeting PCSK9, safely reduced LDL in various patient populations and subgroups, according to a late-breaking clinical trial presented at the National Lipid Association Scientific Sessions. Read More.

Healthy lifestyle may prolong life expectancy in US adults

Adults who follow five low-risk lifestyle-related factors have significantly longer projected life expectancy than those who follow none, researchers reported. Read More.

Manufacturer, pharmacy provider agree to alirocumab price drop, simplified access

Sanofi and Regeneron announced that they have reached an agreement with pharmacy provider Express Scripts to offer the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab at a reduced price in exchange for “straightforward, more affordable access.” Read More.

Novel method enhances accuracy of LDL estimates

A novel method using non-HDL and triglyceride values estimated LDL better than the Friedewald method in patients who reduced their LDL with PCSK9 inhibition, according to data presented at the National Lipid Association Scientific Sessions. Read More.