Effects of Evolocumab (AMG 145), a Monoclonal Antibody to PCSK9, in Hypercholesterolemic, Statin-Treated Japanese Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract

Background: YUKAWA is a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of evolocumab (AMG 145) in statin-treated Japanese patients at high cardiovascular risk. Methods and Results: 310 eligible patients receiving stable statin (±ezetimibe) therapy were randomized to 1 of 6 treatments: placebo every 2 weeks (Q2W) or monthly (QM), evolocumab 70mg or 140mg Q2W, or evolocumab 280mg or 420mg QM. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) measured by preparative ultracentrifugation (UC). Secondary endpoints included percentage changes in other lipid parameters and the proportion of patients with LDL-C Conclusions: In Japanese patients at high cardiovascular risk with hypercholesterolemia on stable statin therapy, evolocumab significantly reduced LDL-C and was well tolerated during this 12-week study. (Circ J 2014; 78: 1073–1082)