Alirocumab is classified as which type of antilipemic agent?

Alirocumab is classified as a PCSK9 inhibitor, which is a type of antilipemic agent designed to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. PCSK9, or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, is a protein that plays a key role in regulating cholesterol levels. It binds to LDL receptors on liver cells, promoting their degradation. By inhibiting PCSK9, alirocumab increases the availability of LDL receptors, which enhances the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, resulting in lower overall cholesterol levels.

This class of medication is particularly useful for patients who have familial hypercholesterolemia or those who are at high risk for cardiovascular events and need additional lipid-lowering therapy beyond statins or other conventional treatments. The efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors like alirocumab in significantly reducing LDL cholesterol levels has made them an important component of modern dyslipidemia management strategies.