Sanofi and Regeneron launch new cholesterol therapy Praluent

Sanofi and Regeneron have announced the UK launch of Praluent, a next-generation cholesterol-lowering treatment that was recently approved by the European Commission.

The drug is authorised for use in patients who have been unable to reach their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) treatment goals via dietary intervention while taking the maximum tolerated dose of a statin or other cholesterol-lowering therapies.

It is part of a new class of therapies called proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, which work by curbing levels of a naturally-occurring protein that prevents the liver from clearing LDL cholesterol from the blood. 

The new therapy will help patients to reduce their cholesterol levels and ultimately minimise their risk of heart attack and stroke.

Dr David Williams, medical director at Sanofi UK, said: "The availability of Praluent represents a real breakthrough for those adult patients with high cardiovascular risks whose needs are not being met by older cholesterol-lowering therapies."

Praluent will be available in a single-dose prefilled pen that patients can self-administer.