PCSK9 Inhibitor Use in the Real World: Data From the National Patient‐Centered Research Network

BACKGROUND: PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors effectively lower LDL (low‐density lipoprotein) cholesterol and have been shown to reduce cardiovascular outcomes in high‐risk patients. We used real‐world electronic health record data to characterize use of PCSK9 inhibitors, in addition to standard therapies, according to cardiovascular risk status. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were obtained from 18 health systems with data marts within the National Patient‐Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet) using a common data model. Participating sites identified >17.5 million adults, of whom 3.6 million met study criteria. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: (1) dyslipidemia, (2) untreated LDL ≥130 mg/dL, and (3) coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease. Demographics, comorbidities, estimated 10‐year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, and lipid‐lowering pharmacotherapies were summarized for each group. Participants’ average age was 62 years, 50% were female, and 11% were black. LDL cholesterol ranged from 85 to 151 mg/dL. Among patients in groups 1 and 3, 54% received standard lipid‐lowering therapies and a PCSK9 inhibitor was prescribed in <1%. PCSK9 inhibitor prescribing was greatest for patients with coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease and, although prescribing increased during the study period, overall PCSK9 inhibitor prescribing was low. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully used electronic health record data from 18 PCORnet data marts to identify >3.6 million patients meeting criteria for 3 patient groups. Approximately half of patients had been prescribed lipid‐lowering medication, but <1% were prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors. PCSK9 inhibitor prescribing increased over time for patients with coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease but not for those with dyslipidemia.