The Impact of PCSK9 Modulation on Cardiovascular Outcomes: Recent Advances and the Managed Care Implications

The Impact of PCSK9 Modulation on Cardiovascular Outcomes: Recent Advances and the Managed Care Implications is organized by Pharmacy Times Continuing Education (PTCE).

Release date: September 9, 2022
Expiration date: March 1, 2024

Program Description:
The landscape of lipid management continues to evolve with the approval of several agents that target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Statin drugs have been considered the standard of care for LDL-C lowering, though their efficacy in some patients is matched by a poor safety profile or adherence concerns while others are in need of further LDL-C lowering despite maximal statin treatment. In these patients, it is particularly important for managed care pharmacists to be aware of alternative therapies to adequately lower cholesterol to further reduce risk of cardiovascular adverse effects. Development of PCSK9-modulating therapies including monoclonal antibodies and the recent approval of a small interfering RNA targeted to PCSK9 have increased understanding of lipid metabolism and treatment. However, patient acceptance and pricing remain barriers to the effective uptake of these agents. It will be imperative for managed care professionals to assess the pricing and access considerations for novel cholesterol-lowering drugs and how to incorporate them into care.

Educational Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Investigate the evolving understanding of the pathophysiology of hypercholesterolemia, the association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, and the challenges in treatment.
• Examine the clinical data and guideline recommendations for the use of PCSK9-modulating therapies in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
• Identify managed care strategies to integrate evidence-based use of PCSK9-modulating therapies while controlling healthcare resource utilization.