Repatha demonstrates reduced need for apheresis in patients with high LDL-C in study

Data suggest an alternative option for patients.

Amgen has announced positive top-line results from a Phase III study evaluating Repatha (evolocumab) in patients who were receiving apheresis to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that treatment with Repatha significantly reduced the need for LDL-C apheresis in adult patients, as measured at the end of the randomized period. The study also met its secondary endpoints of percent change from baseline to week 4 in LDL-C, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and total cholesterol:HDL-C ratio.

"Patients who require apheresis to help control their LDL-C have limited treatment options and face the daunting challenge of frequent, invasive and costly procedures," said Sean E. Harper, executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "These positive data suggest patients may have an alternative option to help them manage their cholesterol."

The overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was comparable among both groups. No new safety concerns were identified in this study.

Detailed results will be submitted to a future medical conference and for publication.