The comparative real-world trial evaluated Amgen's Repatha, known generically as evolocumab, against the oral medication ezetimibe. Cardiologists frequently turn to both of these long-approved options to manage bad cholesterol when primary statin treatments fall short. Data demonstrated that the injectable therapy lowered the risk of heart attacks by 20% compared to ezetimibe. While ezetimibe is an oral cholesterol absorption inhibitor formerly sold as Zetia, Repatha functions as an injectable PCSK9 inhibitor.
Key points
Real-world trial evidence indicates Repatha is more effective than generic ezetimibe for…: Real-world trial evidence indicates Repatha is more effective than generic ezetimibe for patients with clogged coronary arteries.
Cardiologists rely on these secondary treatments when standard statin therapy fails to ad…: Cardiologists rely on these secondary treatments when standard statin therapy fails to adequately lower bad cholesterol.
The two evaluated drugs utilize distinctly different delivery methods and mechanisms to m…: The two evaluated drugs utilize distinctly different delivery methods and mechanisms to manage patient cholesterol levels.
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When statins aren’t enough, other cholesterol-lowering drugs come into play. But which one is most effective?
Cardiologists looking to help their patients reduce the amount of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol threatening to clog their coronary arteries often consider two long-approved drugs, each acting through a different mechanism delivered by a different route. A new trial based on real-world evidence pitted the injectable PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab, sold by Amgen as Repatha, against the oral cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe, now generic but previously sold by Merck as Zetia.
Repatha was the winner.
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