Which lipid-lowering agent is classified as a PCSK9 inhibitor?

Evolocumab is a lipid-lowering agent that belongs to the class of PCSK9 inhibitors. These drugs work by inhibiting the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) enzyme, which plays a role in the regulation of LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Specifically, PCSK9 binds to LDL receptors on liver cells, leading to their degradation. By inhibiting PCSK9, evolocumab increases the number of LDL receptors available on the liver surface. This, in turn, enhances the clearance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the blood, effectively lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

The other agents listed have different mechanisms of action. Rosuvastatin is a statin that works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, while gemfibrozil primarily reduces triglyceride levels and increases HDL cholesterol through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). Niaspan, an extended-release form of niacin, works by inhibiting hepatic synthesis of LDL and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) and has a different mechanism focusing primarily on