FDA Approves Alirocumab (Praluent) for Certain Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

Following a June 2015 recommendation by the U.S Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee, the FDA has approved alirocumab for patients on maximally tolerated statin therapy with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks or strokes, who require additional lowering of LDL cholesterol. Alirocumab is produced by Sanofi and Regeneron, and known by the brand name Praluent.