Is Leqvio A Statin

Is Leqvio a Statin?

Introduction to Inclisiran (Leqvio)

Inclisiran, marketed under the brand name Leqvio, is a novel cholesterol-lowering medication developed by Novartis. It is a first-in-class small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic that targets the mRNA coding for the PCSK9 gene, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism .

Mechanism of Action: Small Interfering RNA

Unlike statins, which inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver, inclisiran works by inhibiting the synthesis of PCSK9. PCSK9 is a protein that degrades LDL receptors on liver cells, reducing the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. By inhibiting PCSK9, inclisiran increases the number of LDL receptors available to clear LDL cholesterol, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels .

Administration and Usage

Inclisiran is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically given by a healthcare professional. The dosing schedule involves an initial injection, followed by a second dose at three months, and subsequent doses every six months . This biannual administration is a significant departure from the daily oral dosing required for statins.

Clinical Indications

Inclisiran is approved for use in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia (both heterozygous familial and non-familial) or mixed dyslipidemia. It is intended as an adjunct to diet and can be used in combination with statins or other lipid-lowering therapies in patients who cannot achieve their LDL cholesterol goals with the maximum tolerated statin dose. It is also an option for patients who are statin-intolerant or for whom statins are contraindicated .

Efficacy and Safety

Clinical trials have demonstrated that inclisiran effectively lowers LDL cholesterol levels by approximately 50% when used alone and by about 40% when used in combination with statins . The drug has shown a favorable safety profile, with no significant adverse effects reported in the studies .

Conclusion

Inclisiran (Leqvio) is not a statin. It is a small interfering RNA therapeutic that lowers cholesterol by inhibiting the synthesis of PCSK9, thereby increasing the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Its unique mechanism of action and biannual dosing schedule make it a valuable option for patients who are unable to achieve their cholesterol goals with statins alone or who are intolerant to statins.

Summary

Not enough predictions.