When a new class of cholesterol-lowering medications called PCSK9 inhibitors hit the market in 2015, they were instantly controversial because of their price. Still, the drugs can help patients who cannot lower their cholesterol with traditional statins and therefore face a high risk of developing heart disease. PCSK9 inhibitors are far more expensive than statins like Pfizer’s once-blockbuster Lipitor (atorvastatin), which went generic long ago and sells for pennies a pill. Repatha and Praluent hit the market at a challenging time for drugs with high price tags. The authors of the new study on PCSK9 inhibitors say they understand the cost concerns.

Source: Forbes October 30, 2017 09:00 UTC