Evolocumab in Patients without a Previous Myocardial Infarction or Stroke

The proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with a previous myocardial infarction, stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease. The effect of evolocumab on the risk of MACE among patients without a previous myocardial infarction or stroke is unknown.

We conducted an international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of evolocumab in patients with atherosclerosis or diabetes and without a previous myocardial infarction or stroke who had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of at least 90 mg per deciliter. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive evolocumab at a dose of 140 mg every 2 weeks or placebo. The two primary end points were a composite of death from coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke (3-point MACE) and a composite of 3-point MACE or ischemia-driven arterial revascularization (4-point MACE).