Israel: Leqvio, the Next Generation in Cholesterol Treatment

In Israel, medical innovations targeting cardiovascular diseases are attracting growing attention, particularly in response to the increasing prevalence of cholesterol-related conditions. Among the therapies currently generating significant interest is Leqvio, an innovative treatment designed to provide long-term reduction of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as "bad cholesterol".

The therapy was presented on May 6 during a conference organized by Clalit Health Services on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare, held at the David InterContinental Hotel in Tel Aviv. The event brought together key players from Israel’s healthcare system, pharmaceutical innovation experts, and medical professionals eager to explore the latest therapeutic advances.

Developed by Novartis, Leqvio represents a new approach in the fight against hypercholesterolemia. Unlike traditional treatments that require daily administration, this therapy is based on RNA interference (RNAi) technology, which directly targets the production of a protein involved in the accumulation of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

After the initial treatment phase, Leqvio is administered through an injection only twice a year. This dosing schedule has drawn particular interest from Israeli physicians due to its potential to improve patient adherence to long-term cardiovascular treatments.

In Israel, where cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of mortality, healthcare specialists view new preventive therapies as a major public health priority. Leqvio is intended primarily for patients at high cardiovascular risk or for individuals whose cholesterol levels remain elevated despite conventional treatments.

The drug works by reducing the activity of PCSK9, a protein involved in regulating LDL cholesterol levels. International clinical studies have demonstrated significant and sustained reductions in LDL cholesterol among a wide range of patients.

The development of therapies such as Leqvio also highlights the growing importance of biotechnology and RNA-based treatments within the global pharmaceutical industry.

Following the breakthroughs achieved with mRNA vaccines, numerous companies are now investing heavily in therapies that use targeted genetic mechanisms to prevent or treat chronic diseases.

Within Israel’s healthcare system, widely recognized for its technological excellence and ability to rapidly integrate medical innovations, Leqvio could gradually become an important component of cardiovascular prevention strategies in the years ahead.

Caroline Haïat