Evolocumab for the reduction of cardiovascular risk in HIV patients: is this a clinician's best option for HIV patients?

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and dyslipidemia is a prevalent comorbidity that requires effective treatment. Limitations for the use of statins such as drug interactions and adverse effects highlight the need for alternative therapies.

Areas covered: This review evaluates the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in reducing cardiovascular risk in PLHIV with dyslipidemia. We analyzed studies available on PUBMED, using keywords HIV, dyslipidemia, PCSK9 inhibitors, and statin intolerance. We discuss the mechanisms underlying increased cardiovascular risk, limitations of statins, including a recent study using PCSK9 inhibitors. Evolocumab significantly reduced LDL-C levels by 56.9% in PLHIV, with 72.5% of patients achieving ≥50% LDL-C reduction. The trial confirmed the drug's safety. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibitors demonstrated reductions in lipoprotein(a) and inflammatory markers.

Expert opinion: PCSK9i present a promising option for lipid management in PLHIV, especially in statin-intolerant individuals or those with residual risk despite statin therapy. Additional non-statin therapies targeting adverse lipid profiles, including low HDL-C, high triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a), are under development. Combined with advancements in antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and siRNA technologies, they hold promise for transforming the treatment of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease in PLHIV.