Biotech Medicines Drop LDL More Than Statins:
A completely new category of LDL cholesterol-lowering drugs has just received a vote of confidence from an FDA panel of experts.
The advisory committee voted 13 to 3 this week to recommend that the agency approve alirocumab, a cholesterol-lowering injection made by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. This drug and a similar medication, evolocumab, lower dangerous LDL cholesterol by 40 to 65 percent, even more than popular statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Do They Prevent Heart Attacks?
Clinical trials are underway to see whether the new medications actually prevent heart attacks or prolong life. The results will not be known, however, until some time in 2017.
Side Effects
The side effect profile appears favorable, but questions have been raised about memory loss and confusion. Since this is also a potential-although disputed-adverse effect of statins, it warrants more attention. We are also mindful that often side effects show up only after a medication has been used by many people for quite a while.
Steep Price Tag
One side effect that could be unpleasant is the price tag. Some experts estimate that these drugs will cost as much as $10,000 a year.
