NCIt definition : A human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against human proprotein
convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), that can be used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Upon administration, alirocumab targets, binds to and inhibits the activity of PCSK9.
This prevents the binding of PCSK9 to low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) on hepatocytes
and prevents its degradation. This increases LDLR on hepatocytes and increases the
liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood, thereby lowering
LDL-C levels. PCSK9 binds to LDLR on the surface of hepatocytes to promote LDLR degradation
within the liver.;