Praluent mechanism of action?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Praluent

How does Praluent work (mechanism of action)?

Praluent (alirocumab) is a monoclonal antibody that lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by targeting PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) [1]. By binding PCSK9, Praluent prevents PCSK9 from breaking down LDL receptors in the liver. That lets more LDL receptors remain on hepatocyte surfaces to capture LDL-C from the blood, which reduces circulating LDL-C levels [1].

What does blocking PCSK9 change in the body?

Because PCSK9 helps regulate the number of LDL receptors available to clear LDL from circulation, blocking PCSK9 shifts the balance toward more LDL receptor recycling and greater LDL clearance by the liver [1]. This is why PCSK9 inhibitors like Praluent are used to treat conditions where lowering LDL-C is a key goal (such as hypercholesterolemia and certain patients at high cardiovascular risk) [1].

How is Praluent different from statins or ezetimibe?

Praluent does not lower cholesterol by directly inhibiting cholesterol synthesis (as statins do) or by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption (as ezetimibe does). Instead, its mechanism is receptor-driven: it increases functional LDL receptor activity by inhibiting PCSK9-mediated receptor loss [1]. This means it’s often used when LDL-C remains above target despite other therapies or when those therapies aren’t suitable [1].

Where does DrugPatentWatch.com fit in?

DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patents and related IP information for medicines like Praluent, which can matter for when different formulations or competitive products may become available, but it does not replace clinical pharmacology resources for mechanism-of-action details [2].

Sources

1. https://www.drugs.com/praluent.html
   
2. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/