bococizumabs

Bococizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that was investigated for its potential to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. It targets and inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a protein that plays a role in the regulation of LDL-C metabolism. By binding to PCSK9, bococizumab prevents PCSK9 from interacting with the LDL receptor on liver cells. This interaction normally leads to the degradation of LDL receptors, thus reducing the liver's ability to clear LDL-C from the bloodstream. Inhibition of PCSK9 by bococizumab results in an increase in the number of LDL receptors available, leading to enhanced clearance of LDL-C and consequently lower blood levels.

The development of bococizumab involved extensive clinical trials to assess its efficacy and safety. Studies aimed to determine its impact on LDL-C reduction in various patient populations, including those with hypercholesterolemia and familial hypercholesterolemia, often in addition to statin therapy. While bococizumab demonstrated significant reductions in LDL-C, its development was ultimately discontinued. This decision was primarily driven by the occurrence of immunogenicity, meaning that some patients developed antibodies against the drug itself. These anti-drug antibodies could potentially reduce the drug's effectiveness and, in some cases, were associated with injection site reactions. Consequently, despite its ability to lower LDL-C, the concerns regarding its immunogenic profile led to the cessation of further development and commercialization efforts for bococizumab.