New antibody treatment found to lower bad cholesterol

A new antibody treatment SAR236553/REGN727 has been found to reduce low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) by targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9).

LDL-C is a bad cholesterol that is difficult to reduce, even with the use of drugs such as statins. However, Sanofi and Regeneron have recently presented findings that showed using their new antibody treatment could reduce LDL-C significantly, which could hold hope for those who struggle to reduce it with the use of drugs or diet controls.

Dr James McKenney, president and CEO of National Clinical Research, who was the principal investigator for the study said: "Many patients are not able to lower their LDL-C sufficiently by diet and medication despite the availability of statins. As guidelines are evolving, there is a real need for additional lipid-lowering medications ... These trial results suggest that SAR236553/REGN727 may enable patients for whom statins are insufficient to further reduce LDL-C."

Some side effects were recorded during the experiment period, with irritation at the injection site causing serious skin problems in a handful of patients. In total, six from more than 250 patients stopped the trials early due to adverse effects.