Alirocumab
Alirocumab
Alirocumab (pronounced: al-ee-ROCK-you-mab) is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). It is marketed under the brand name Praluent by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Etymology
The name "Alirocumab" is derived from the International Nonproprietary Names (INN), where "ali-" refers to the human source of the antibody, "-rocu-" is a unique stem for PCSK9 inhibition, and "-mab" is a common suffix for monoclonal antibodies.
Usage
Alirocumab is used in combination with diet and maximally-tolerated statin therapy in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who require additional lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
Mechanism of Action
Alirocumab works by blocking proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a protein that reduces the liver's ability to remove LDL-C, or "bad" cholesterol, from the blood. By inhibiting PCSK9, alirocumab increases the number of LDL receptors available to clear LDL-C, thereby lowering LDL-C levels.
Related Terms
- Monoclonal antibody
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
- Low-density lipoprotein
- Sanofi
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alirocumab
- Wikipedia's article - Alirocumab
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