Sex differences in efficacy and safety of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies: A real-world registry. 2023

Annette M H Galema-Boers, and Janneke W C M Mulder, and Kim Steward, and Jeanine E Roeters van Lennep
Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9 mAbs) reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) with a favourable safety profile. Available data from PCSK9 antibody trials suggest LDL-c reduction is lower in women compared to men. Data in real-world setting is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in efficacy and safety of PCSK9 antibodies in clinical care. All patients starting with evolocumab or alirocumab in our lipid clinic were included in a prospective registry. We collected clinical information, including baseline and follow-up mean LDL-C levels after initiation of PCSK9 mAbs treatment. In addition, side effects and PCSK9 mAbs discontinuation were recorded. We analysed 436 patients (209 women), mean age 58 ± 11 years. Women had higher baseline LDL-c levels compared to men (4.7 ± 1.6 mmol/L vs 4.1 ± 1.4 mmol/L, p < 0.01). PCSK9 mAbs resulted in less relative LDL-c reduction in women compared to men (50% vs 61% p<0.01), but equal absolute LDL-c reduction (respectively 2.3 ± 1.3 mmol/L vs 2.5 ± 1.1 mmol/L, p = 0.087). Women less often reached LDL-c target levels than men (50% vs 72%). No sex differences were observed in reporting of side effects (women 32% vs men 27% p = 0.26) or PCSK9 mAbs discontinuation (women 13% vs men 10%, p = 0.46). In clinical practice, PCSK9 mAbs are less effective in reducing LDL-c levels in women compared to men and equally safe, implying the importance of sex differences in PCSK9 metabolism.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008078 Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol which is contained in or bound to low density lipoproteins (LDL), including CHOLESTEROL ESTERS and free cholesterol. LDL Cholesterol,Cholesteryl Linoleate, LDL,LDL Cholesteryl Linoleate,Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol,beta-Lipoprotein Cholesterol,Cholesterol, beta-Lipoprotein,beta Lipoprotein Cholesterol
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D012042 Registries The systems and processes involved in the establishment, support, management, and operation of registers, e.g., disease registers. Parish Registers,Population Register,Parish Register,Population Registers,Register, Parish,Register, Population,Registers, Parish,Registers, Population,Registry
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000071449 Proprotein Convertase 9 A proprotein convertase that is essential for CHOLESTEROL homeostasis. It binds to and is required for the lysosomal degradation of the LDL RECEPTOR (LDLR); the VLDL receptor, and the APOLIPOPROTEIN E RECEPTOR. It also regulates neuronal APOPTOSIS. NARC-1 Protein,Neural Apoptosis-Regulated Convertase 1,Proprotein Convertase, Subtilisin-Kexin Type 9,Convertase 9, Proprotein,NARC 1 Protein,Neural Apoptosis Regulated Convertase 1,Proprotein Convertase, Subtilisin Kexin Type 9
D000091362 PCSK9 Inhibitors Agents that inhibit Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (see PROPROTEIN CONVERTASE 9 (PCSK9)), an enzyme that plays an important role in the degradation of the LDL receptors. It favors LDL catabolism and reduces plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL_C) level. PCSK9 Inhibitors Cardiovascular,PCSK9 Inhibitors, Cardiovascular,Cardiovascular PCSK9 Inhibitors,Cardiovascular, PCSK9 Inhibitors,Inhibitors, Cardiovascular PCSK9
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000911 Antibodies, Monoclonal Antibodies produced by a single clone of cells. Monoclonal Antibodies,Monoclonal Antibody,Antibody, Monoclonal

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