How Many Americans Could be Treated with new PCSK9 Inhibitors? (Hint: It Won't be as Many as Critics Claim)

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite claims that tens of millions of Americans could be eligible for treatment with a new class of cholesterol-lowering medications, called PCSK9 inhibitors, the fact is these new medicines will not replace existing treatment options and will address a significant unmet medical need in a small subset of people. PCSK9 inhibitors will help those who cannot be treated with existing cholesterol-lowering medicines and are just one of many opportunities for those with uncontrolled cholesterol.

View our new infographic on mapping this unmet need here: http://www.fromhopetocures.org/infographic/high-cholesterol-mapping-unmet-need

An estimated 10 million Americans receiving treatment continue to struggle with uncontrolled cholesterol. Many of these people could potentially reach their cholesterol goal by taking existing medicines more consistently, combining treatments or changing dosage, and implementing lifestyle changes such as new diets and exercise routines.

View our new profile of Sheryl - a patient who is able to control her cholesterol level through statin therapy combined with lifestyle changes like a better diet and increased exercise here: http://www.fromhopetocures.org/infographic/high-cholesterol-patient-profile-sheryl

For people still unable to reach a safe cholesterol level, PCSK9 inhibitors could help. These are individuals at a high risk of developing serious cardiovascular complications, like heart attack or stroke, and are intolerant to statins or do not adequately respond to statins (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia). 

View our new profile of Bill – a patient who struggles to control his cholesterol with statins and other cholesterol-lowering medicines here: http://www.fromhopetocures.org/infographic/high-cholesterol-patient-profile-bill

Despite cries that the cost to treat this relatively small subset of individuals could be "unsustainable," pharmacy benefit managers have made it clear they will leverage anticipated market competition to aggressively negotiate deep discounts with manufacturers on these medicines.  In fact, we can expect to see the same level of negotiation we've seen in the hepatitis C space with discounts ranging from 30 to 65 percent for medicines.

We have made incredible progress in combating high cholesterol thanks to statins and other medicines, but – for the sake of patients suffering from uncontrolled high cholesterol and its side effects – it is important to address the unmet medical needs that remain.

Learn more at www.fromhopetocures.org/heartdisease

This post originally appeared here: http://catalyst.phrma.org/how-many-americans-could-potentially-be-treated-with-new-pcsk9-inhibitors-hint-it-wont-be-as-many-as-critics-claim.

Press Contact: Holly Campbell; 202-835-3460; [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150723/241028-INFO
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091027/PHRMALOGO

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America