Therapeutic efficacy and safety of PCSK9-monoclonal antibodies on familial hypercholesterolemia and statin-intolerant patients: A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin9 monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9-mAb) have been studied intensively to identify their effect in lowering levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, the applicable target of PCSK9-mAbs remains inconclusive so far. Therefore, this first meta-analysis was carried out to clarify the therapeutic efficacy and safety of PCSK9-mAbs on the potential patients: familial hypercholesterolemia and statin-intolerant patients. All randomized controlled trials that met the search terms were retrieved in multiple databases. Efficacy outcomes included parameter changes from baseline in LDL-C and other lipid levels. Therapeutic safety were evaluated by rates of common adverse events. A total of 15 studies encompassing 4,288 patients with at least 8 weeks duration were selected. Overall, the therapeutic efficacy was achieved with significant reduction in LDL-C, TC, TG, Lp(a), Apo-B versus placebo. The decline in familial hypercholesterolemia patients (−53.28%, 95% CI: −59.88 to −46.68%) was even more obvious than that in statin-intolerant patients (−34.95%, 95% CI: −41.46 to −28.45%). No obvious safety difference was found out in the rates of common and serious adverse events. To conclude, PCSK9-mAb contributes to the decreased level of LDL-C and other lipids in familial hypercholesterolemia and statin-intolerant patients with satisfactory safety and tolerability.