Recaticimab As Add-On Therapy to Statins for Nonfamilial Hypercholesterolemia the Randomized, Phase 3 REMAIN-2 Trial

BACKGROUND Currently available antiproprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 monoclonal antibodies can effectively decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, but require frequent dosing. Recaticimab is a novel humanized monoclonal antibody against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. In a phase 1b/2 trial, recaticimab as add-on to stable statins showed robust LDL-C reduction with a dosing interval up to every 12 weeks (Q12W) in patients with hypercholesterolemia. OBJECTIVES REMAIN-2 (REcaticiMab Add-on therapy In patients with Nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia) aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 48-week treatment with recaticimab as add-on therapy to statins in nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia. METHODS REMAIN-2 was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. During the run-in period, patients received stable moderate or high-intensity statin, with or without cholesterol absorption inhibitors (ezetimibe) or fenofibrate, for >= 4 weeks. Patients with an LDL-C of >= 1.8 mmol/L (if with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD]) or >= 2.6 mmol/L (if without ASCVD) were then randomized (2:2:2:1:1:1) to receive recaticimab 150 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W), 300 mg every 8 weeks (Q8W), or 450 mg Q12W, or matching placebo injections (Q4W, Q8W, or Q12W) for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage change from baseline to week 24 in LDL-C level. RESULTS A total of 689 randomly assigned patients received treatment (mean age, 55.8 years; male, 64.4%; ASCVD history, 69.5%; concomitant ezetimibe, 11.2%; mean baseline LDL-C, 2.8 mmol/L). Percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to week 24 was significantly more pronounced with recaticimab vs placebo (P < 0.0001), with least-squares mean differences of-62.2% (95% CI:-67.0% to-57.4%),-59.7% (95% CI:-65.0% to-54.4%), and-53.4% (95% CI:-58.7% to-48.2%) for the 150 mg Q4W, 300 mg Q8W, and 450 mg Q12W regimens, respectively. The decreases in LDL-C with recaticimab were maintained through week 48. Secondary lipid variables, including non-highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) also favored the recaticimab groups. During the treatment period, the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (28.5% vs 26.6%) and serious treatment-related adverse events (0.4% vs 0.4%) was similarly low in both the recaticimab and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS Recaticimab as add-on to stable statin therapy significantly decreased LDL-C levels at week 24 and sustained the decreases through week 48, providing a novel therapeutic alternative with a dosing interval of up to every 12 weeks in patients with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia. (JACC. 2024;84:2037-2047) (c) 2024 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.