PCSK9estäjä

PCSK9estäjä refers to a class of drugs designed to lower cholesterol levels by targeting the PCSK9 protein. PCSK9, or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, is a liver enzyme that plays a crucial role in regulating cholesterol metabolism. It binds to LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells, marking them for degradation. LDL receptors are responsible for removing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, from the bloodstream.

When PCSK9 is present, it reduces the number of LDL receptors available, leading to higher levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. PCSK9 inhibitors are a type of biologic drug, typically monoclonal antibodies, that bind to PCSK9 and prevent it from interacting with LDL receptors. By blocking this interaction, PCSK9 inhibitors increase the number of LDL receptors on the liver cell surface. This enhanced number of receptors allows the liver to more effectively remove LDL cholesterol from the circulation, resulting in significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels.

These medications are generally administered via injection and are often prescribed for individuals with very high cholesterol levels, such as those with familial hypercholesterolemia, or for patients who have not achieved adequate cholesterol reduction with statins or other lipid-lowering therapies. They represent a significant advancement in the management of hypercholesterolemia and the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk.