Nabil Saadeh Who Discovers PCSK9 Cholesterol Therapies
Nabil Saadeh Who Discovers PCSK9 Cholesterol Therapies
Source: Medscape
Date: February 16, 2026
• Egyptian-Canadian biochemist based
• Discovered the PCSK9 enzyme in 2003.
• 2025 recipient of the Great Arab Minds Award in Medicine.
Difference of PCSK9 Inhibitors
• PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies (alirocumab, evolocumab): block circulating PCSK9 protein.
• Inclisiran: reduces PCSK9 synthesis at the mRNA level.
They inhibit the same target (PCSK9),
but through different mechanisms
• PCSK9 reduces the number of LDL receptors in the liver.
• Fewer LDL receptors → higher “bad” LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
• Blocking PCSK9 lowers LDL by ~50%.
• Combined with statins → LDL reduction of 66–75%
(vs 45–55% with high-intensity statins alone).
• Significantly reduces heart attacks and major CV events.
Genetic Evidence
• Overactive PCSK9 mutations → very high LDL and inherited hypercholesterolemia.
• Reduced-function mutations → very low LDL and ~90% lower heart disease risk.
Beyond Lipids
PCSK9 research now extends to:
• Cancer
• Immune system regulation
• Gene therapy approaches
