The Role of Non-statin Lipid-Lowering Medications in Youth with Hypercholesterolemia

Purpose of Review Lifestyle modification is additive to lipid-lowering medications in the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), which does not respond sufficiently to statin therapy. While both are also important in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), additional measures such as apheresis may be needed. The purpose of this review is to identify non-statin medications to lower cholesterol that are available for children and adolescents as adjunctive therapy. Recent Findings Ezetimibe is commonly used as second-line pharmacotherapy for treatment of HeFH and HoFH. Colesevelam, a bile acid sequestrant, may be considered for adjunct therapy. Since 2015, the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab has been available for adolescents, and its FDA approval has now expanded to age 10 years. The ANGPTL3 inhibitor evinacumab has been approved for children age 12 years and older. A clinical trial for lomitapide is in progress. Summary Approvals for PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 inhibitors have expanded opportunities for children and adolescents with HeFH and HoFH to achieve lower LDL-C levels.

Automated summary

Non-statin medications for lowering cholesterol are available as adjunctive therapy for children and adolescents, particularly for those with HeFH and HoFH, to help achieve lower LDL-C levels.