Mipomersen is a second generation antisense oligonucleotide that targets apolipoprotein B. It has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials (more than 800 subjects), including four randomized double-blind placebo controlled phase 3 studies involving 391 patients, and is in registration for the treatment of severe hypercholesterolaemia. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of mipomersen are well characterized. Mipomersen is rapidly and extensively absorbed after subcutaneous administration and has an elimination half-life of approximately 30 days across species. It is cleared by nuclease metabolism and renal excretion of the metabolites. Mipomersen reduces all apolipoprotein B containing atherogenic particles and displays dose dependent reductions between 50-400 mg week⁻¹ , both as a single agent and in the presence of maximal lipid lowering therapy. No drug-drug interactions have been identified. Mipomersen is a representative of second generation antisense drugs, all of which have similar properties, and is thus representative of the behaviour of the class of drugs.
Keywords: LDL-cholesterol; antisense inhibitor; familial hypercholesterolaemia; mipomersen.
© 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society.