PCSK9 is a protein that destroys the liver receptors responsible for clearing LDL cholesterol from the blood. Block PCSK9 and those receptors survive longer, pulling far more cholesterol out of circulation — LDL reductions of 50-60% on top of a statin. They are injections rather than tablets, and are reserved for people whose cholesterol stays high despite maximum statin therapy, or who cannot tolerate statins. Inclisiran achieves the same end differently, using RNA interference to stop PCSK9 being made in the first place, and is dosed only twice a year.
Class descriptions are written by the Priya Life Science editorial team. Individual drug pages combine that summary with live label, approval, manufacturer and shortage data from the U.S. FDA via the openFDA API. This page is general information and is not medical advice — it is not exhaustive, drugs within a class are not automatically interchangeable, and approvals and brand names differ between the US, EU/Ireland (EMA/HPRA) and other regions. Always consult the official prescribing information and your clinician or pharmacist. Related: Drug Shortages Tracker · FDA Approvals · All drug comparisons