PCSK9estäjät

PCSK9estäjät, also known as PCSK9 inhibitors, are a class of medications used to lower cholesterol levels. They work by targeting and inhibiting the PCSK9 protein. This protein normally 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.

By blocking PCSK9, these drugs prevent the degradation of LDL receptors. This leads to an increase in the number of LDL receptors available on the liver cell surface. Consequently, more LDL cholesterol is cleared from the blood, resulting in significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels.

PCSK9estäjät are typically administered via injection and are often prescribed for individuals with very high LDL cholesterol levels, such as those with familial hypercholesterolemia, or for patients who cannot tolerate statins or have not achieved sufficient LDL reduction with statin therapy alone. They represent a significant advancement in lipid-lowering therapy, offering an alternative or add-on treatment for managing cardiovascular disease risk.