For over 50 years, Novartis has developed innovative medicines to treat cardiovascular disease. Building on this legacy, I am reaching out to share the news that Novartis received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Leqvio® (inclisiran), the first and only small interfering RNA (siRNA) to provide effective and sustained reduction in low-density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,” as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who require additional lowering of LDL-C. The effect of Leqvio on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not yet been determined but is being explored in clinical trials currently underway.
The United States spends over $125 billion on direct medical expenses for ASCVD care each year, and heart disease and stroke represent the largest medical expenditures in the country. Beyond direct healthcare costs, heart disease and stroke have been estimated to result in $138 billion annually in lost productivity.