WASHINGTON – Today, the Partnership to Advance Cardio Health made the following statement regarding the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review’s (ICER) updated analysis on the value of PCSK9 inhibitors, a breakthrough treatment for patients with high cholesterol.

PCSK9 inhibitors work by preventing the PCSK9 protein from destroying a receptor on the liver that clears bad cholesterol. The receptor “lives” longer, clearing more LDL cholesterol for the patient. For some patients who don’t sufficiently respond to traditional statin therapy, the drugs have offered unprecedented improvement.

ICER concludes that these breakthrough therapies are not cost effective, despite clinical data showing benefits for patients.

STATEMENT FROM KEITH FERDINAND, MD, CARDIOLOGIST:

“ICER’s report is a disappointment for patients and physicians and other practitioners who have seen expected results with these drugs. For patients suffering with extremely high cholesterol, these medications can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Unfortunately, ICER’s report could jeopardize many patient’s ability to access the life-saving medication they and their physicians and other providers have determined is the best course of care.”

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