Are Repatha and Praluent the same drug?
No. Repatha (evolocumab) and Praluent (alirocumab) are different medicines, even though they’re used for similar purposes. Both are injectable “PCSK9 inhibitors” that lower LDL cholesterol by blocking PCSK9, a protein that reduces the liver’s ability to clear LDL from the blood.
How are they similar if they’re not the same?
They’re both:
- Monoclonal antibody medicines (not small-molecule tablets)
- Given by injection
- Used to treat high cholesterol in certain patients (often including people with familial hypercholesterolemia or established cardiovascular disease), typically alongside diet and other therapies
- Designed to substantially reduce LDL cholesterol levels by increasing LDL clearance from the bloodstream
What’s the key difference between Repatha and Praluent?
The active ingredients are different:
- Repatha contains evolocumab.
- Praluent contains alirocumab.
Because they’re different antibodies, dosing schedules, available pen/syringe options, and insurance coverage can differ from one product to the other.
Can people switch between them?
Switching may be possible in some situations, but it depends on the patient’s diagnosis, prior response, side effects, and the prescriber’s judgment. Since they’re different drugs (not interchangeable biologics by default), the plan typically involves changing to the other PCSK9 inhibitor rather than “substituting” one for the other without a clinician’s oversight.
Are there generic versions?
No generic versions are the same as “generic biologics.” These medicines are brand-name biologics; switching options, if any, are generally limited to other brand therapies or, over time, potential biosimilar developments (not the same as true generics).
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/