Yes, Praluent Treats High Cholesterol
Praluent (alirocumab) is an injectable monoclonal antibody approved to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often called "bad" cholesterol. It targets PCSK9, a protein that reduces the liver's ability to clear LDL from the blood, helping patients with high cholesterol who don't respond well enough to statins alone or can't tolerate them.[1]
Who Gets Prescribed Praluent?
The FDA approves it for:
- Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a genetic high-cholesterol condition.
- Adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease needing extra LDL reduction.
- Kids 8+ with HeFH, alongside diet and other treatments.
Dosing starts at 75 mg every two weeks subcutaneously, adjustable to 150 mg based on response.[1][2]
How Does Praluent Lower Cholesterol?
It binds PCSK9, preventing it from degrading LDL receptors on liver cells. This increases LDL uptake and clearance, dropping LDL-C by 50-60% in trials, outperforming ezetimibe in combo with statins.[3]
Praluent vs. Other Cholesterol Drugs
| Drug | Class | LDL Reduction | Common Use |
|------|--------|---------------|------------|
| Praluent | PCSK9 inhibitor | 50-60% | High-risk patients on max statins |
| Repatha (evolocumab) | PCSK9 inhibitor | 50-60% | Similar to Praluent |
| Leqvio (inclisiran) | siRNA | 50%+ | Twice-yearly dosing |
| Statins (e.g., Lipitor) | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | 20-60% | First-line for most |
Praluent edges Repatha in some head-to-head data for certain genetic cases but costs similarly (~$5,800/month before discounts).[4]
Common Side Effects and Risks
Injection-site reactions (7-8%), flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain occur most. Rare risks include allergic reactions or neurocognitive effects. Long-term data from ODYSSEY trials show no major cardiovascular harm signals.[1][3]
Cost, Access, and Patent Status
List price is $5,850 for two 75 mg doses. Patient assistance cuts it under $25/month for eligible insured. Patents expire around 2034 in the US, with challenges from Amgen and others; check DrugPatentWatch.com for updates.[5][6]
Sources
[1]: FDA Label for Praluent
[2]: Praluent Prescribing Info
[3]: NEJM ODYSSEY Outcomes Trial
[4]: GoodRx Pricing Comparison
[5]: DrugPatentWatch: Praluent Patents
[6]: USPTO Patent Challenges