Effective PCSK9 Inhibitor Therapy Starts With You: Overcoming Barriers to Patient Access

Target Audience
This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of primary care physicians and cardiologists.

Program Overview
This activity will review the role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition in patients with primary and secondary hyperlipidemia, citing the latest evidence from care guidelines and clinical trials, and highlighting the importance of continuing PCSK9 inhibitor therapy as well as standard of care agents for patients at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This activity will also enable clinicians to recognize potential barriers that may inhibit patient access to PCSK9 inhibitors in clinical practice and potential strategies to improve patient access and ensure adherence and persistence to therapy.

Learning Objectives
After participating in the activity, learners should be better able to:

APPLY knowledge of PCSK9 inhibitor mechanism of action, efficacy outcomes, safety profiles, and prescribing information into clinical practice
EXPLAIN the possible mechanisms by which PCSK9 inhibitors could potentially mitigate morbidity and mortality outcomes associated with COVID-19
REVIEW barriers that inhibit patient access to PCSK9 inhibitors
SUMMARIZE strategies to improve patient access to PCSK9 inhibitors and ensure adherence and persistence to therapy