Which PCSK9 inhibitor is a monoclonal antibody?

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Multiple Choice

Which PCSK9 inhibitor is a monoclonal antibody?

The main idea here is the mechanism type of PCSK9 inhibitors. A monoclonal antibody is a protein therapy engineered to bind a specific target, in this case PCSK9, and block its action. When a PCSK9 monoclonal antibody binds PCSK9, it prevents PCSK9 from interacting with LDL receptors on liver cells. This stops PCSK9 from marking LDL receptors for degradation, so more receptors stay on the surface to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood, lowering LDL-C levels. Among the options, the one that fits this monoclonal antibody approach is Alirocumab. It is a human monoclonal antibody designed to target PCSK9 directly. Inclisiran, by contrast, is a small interfering RNA that reduces PCSK9 production rather than acting as an antibody. Ezetimibe lowers cholesterol by inhibiting intestinal absorption, not by targeting PCSK9. Fenofibrate lowers triglycerides and affects HDL via PPAR-alpha activation, also not a PCSK9 inhibitor.

The main idea here is the mechanism type of PCSK9 inhibitors. A monoclonal antibody is a protein therapy engineered to bind a specific target, in this case PCSK9, and block its action. When a PCSK9 monoclonal antibody binds PCSK9, it prevents PCSK9 from interacting with LDL receptors on liver cells. This stops PCSK9 from marking LDL receptors for degradation, so more receptors stay on the surface to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood, lowering LDL-C levels.

Among the options, the one that fits this monoclonal antibody approach is Alirocumab. It is a human monoclonal antibody designed to target PCSK9 directly. Inclisiran, by contrast, is a small interfering RNA that reduces PCSK9 production rather than acting as an antibody. Ezetimibe lowers cholesterol by inhibiting intestinal absorption, not by targeting PCSK9. Fenofibrate lowers triglycerides and affects HDL via PPAR-alpha activation, also not a PCSK9 inhibitor.

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