New Cholesterol Lower Drugs - Alirocumab (Praluent) & Evolocumab (Repatha)

It was announced today that that two new cholesterol lowering drugs, Alirocumab and Evolocumab that could be more effective than statins has been approved by an FDA Advisory Panel. The drugs could be approved for patients later this summer.

Here are the key points:

1. The drugs represent the most important new class of cholesterol-lowering medications since the first statin was approved in 1987. Seven statins are available in the United States including Zocor, Lipitor and Crestor. 
2. The new drugs are said to be a powerful new way of lowering bad cholesterol and that has profound implications in dealing with the burden of vascular disease which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. 
3. These new drugs don't case muscle pain and weakness that is experienced by 10% to 25% of those that take statins. 
4. Alirocumab and Evolcumab may lower LDL between 30 mg and 40 mg. 
5. These drug block a protein in the body called PCSK9, and are called PCSK9 inhibitors. The result is that the LDL receptors are available on the surface of the cells in the liver to take up LDL, clearing this bad form of cholesterol from the body. 
6. These new drugs would cost $7,000 to $12,0000 per year. Statins cost $48 to $7,000 per year. The out-of-pocket costs would depend on your insurance plan. 
7. Alirocumab and Evolocumab may have to be injected, rather than available as a pill. 

I started out taking Lipitor over 10 years ago and I certainly noticed the muscle pain and weakness in my legs. Lipitor also caused some liver issues. I have been on Crestor ever since without any known side-effects. Crestor comes off patent in July 2016 so it's interesting to see the associated costs of the new drugs. Reference CNN - New cholesterol-lowering drug clears step (June 9, 2015)