Bococizumab

Bococizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). PCSK9 is a protein that plays a role in regulating LDL cholesterol levels by promoting the degradation of LDL receptors in the liver. By binding to PCSK9, bococizumab prevents it from interacting with LDL receptors, thereby increasing the number of LDL receptors on the liver surface. This leads to enhanced clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Bococizumab was developed by Pfizer for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Clinical trials evaluated its efficacy and safety in reducing LDL cholesterol in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and other high-risk cardiovascular conditions. While bococizumab demonstrated significant LDL-lowering effects, its development was discontinued. This decision was primarily due to concerns regarding immunogenicity, meaning the potential for patients to develop antibodies against the drug itself, which could reduce its effectiveness and potentially lead to adverse events. The discontinuation of bococizumab's development has implications for the landscape of PCSK9 inhibitors and highlights the challenges associated with developing new biological therapies.