(A CVRF-initiated trial.)
Advanced lipid management for the intermediate-risk patient using coronary plaque, blood flow and artificial intelligence to determine outcome.

Injectable monoclonal antibody medications [PCSK9] are the first new drug in decades to dramatically improve the outlook for patients with coronary artery disease. These medications have not been adequately tested in lower-risk patients due to the larger number of patients required to achieve the serious endpoints of death, heart attack or stroke. Previous research has also shown these medications to reduce plaque in the experimental models. In this study, the PCSK9 medication will be used to determine if the beneficial effects of the drugs to reduce plaque and improve blood flow can be achieved over a 24-month interval when compared to standard of care therapy with statins in an intermediate-risk population. Patients will receive advanced non-invasive coronary imaging techniques including Coronary CTA, measurement of coronary blood flow [FFRCT] and characterization of plaque with artificial intelligence-assisted computer analytics.

(R. Packard, MD, PhD; R. Karlsberg, MD)