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Leqvio, the cholesterol vaccine

High cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in the world. 

Although there are effective medications to lower cholesterol, such as statins, many patients fail to reach recommended levels or experience side effects. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is a priority for public health

Leqvio, the cholesterol vaccine
Leqvio, the cholesterol vaccine
One of the most innovative and promising options is Leqvio, a vaccine that acts on the PCSK9 gene, responsible for regulating blood cholesterol levels. PCSK9 binds to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, which are responsible for transporting cholesterol from the liver to the cells. By doing so, it prevents receptors from recycling cholesterol and removing it from the body, causing it to build up in the arteries and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Leqvio is a treatment based on messenger RNA (mRNA), the same one used in some of the vaccines against covid-19. The mRNA contains the genetic information to produce a protein that blocks the action of PCSK9, allowing LDL receptors to function properly and lower cholesterol. Unlike conventional vaccines, which introduce an attenuated or inactivated infectious agent to generate an immune response, Leqvio acts directly on cholesterol metabolism without altering the immune system.

Leqvio, the cholesterol vaccine

Leqvio is administered by subcutaneous injection every six months, which is an advantage over daily oral treatments. In addition, it has high efficacy and safety, according to the results of clinical trials carried out with more than 3,600 patients. In these studies, Leqvio was able to reduce LDL cholesterol by 50% on average, and up to 80% in some cases, in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Likewise, a decrease in cardiovascular risk and good tolerability were observed, with few adverse effects.

Leqvio has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. It is expected to be available in Spain at the beginning of 2024. However, its price has not yet been set and could be an obstacle to its access. According to some estimates, Leqvio could cost around 5,000 euros per year per patient, which would have a great economic impact on the health system.

Leqvio is a revolutionary vaccine that opens a new avenue for the treatment of high cholesterol and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Its mechanism of action, based on mRNA, is novel and effective, and its method of administration, through semiannual injections, is comfortable and practical. However, its high price could limit its use to patients at higher risk or with a worse response to conventional treatments.

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