Author
Michel Farnier
Other affiliations: Merck & Co., French Institute of Health and Medical Research
Bio: Michel Farnier is an academic researcher from Regeneron. The author has contributed to research in topics: Alirocumab & PCSK9. The author has an hindex of 28, co-authored 105 publications receiving 4785 citations. Previous affiliations of Michel Farnier include Merck & Co. & French Institute of Health and Medical Research.
Topics: Alirocumab, PCSK9, Ezetimibe, Familial hypercholesterolemia, Simvastatin
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
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4,069 citations
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Medical University of Łódź1, University of Palermo2, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign3, University of Chicago4, New York Medical College5, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki6, University of Belgrade7, University of Amsterdam8, University of Queensland9, University of Ljubljana10, University of Kansas11, University of Alabama at Birmingham12, Charles University in Prague13, University of Adelaide14, Apollo Hospitals15, University of California, Los Angeles16, University of Pécs17, Johns Hopkins University18, Imperial College London19, University College London20
TL;DR: The aim of this position paper was to suggest a unified definition of statin intolerance, and to complement the recent EAS statement on SAMS, where the pathophysiology, diagnosis and the management were comprehensively presented.
Abstract: Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in clinical practice They are usually well tolerated and effectively prevent cardiovascular events Most adverse effects associated with statin therapy are muscle-related The recent statement of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) has focused on statin associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), and avoided the use of the term 'statin intolerance' Although muscle syndromes are the most common adverse effects observed after statin therapy, excluding other side effects might underestimate the number of patients with statin intolerance, which might be observed in 10-15% of patients In clinical practice, statin intolerance limits effective treatment of patients at risk of, or with, cardiovascular disease Knowledge of the most common adverse effects of statin therapy that might cause statin intolerance and the clear definition of this phenomenon is crucial to effectively treat patients with lipid disorders Therefore, the aim of this position paper was to suggest a unified definition of statin intolerance, and to complement the recent EAS statement on SAMS, where the pathophysiology, diagnosis and the management were comprehensively presented
279 citations
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University of Palermo1, University of Illinois at Chicago2, University of Chicago3, New York Medical College4, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki5, University of Belgrade6, University of Amsterdam7, University of Queensland8, University of Ljubljana9, University of Kansas10, University of Alabama11, Charles University in Prague12, University of Adelaide13, Apollo Hospitals14, University of California, Los Angeles15, University of Pécs16, Johns Hopkins University17, Imperial College London18, University College London19
TL;DR: The aim of this position paper was to suggest a unified definition of statin intolerance, and to complement the recent EAS statement on SAMS, where the pathophysiology, diagnosis and the management were comprehensively presented.
Abstract: Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in clinical practice. They are usually well tolerated and effectively prevent cardiovascular events. Most adverse effects associated with statin therapy are muscle-related. The recent statement of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) has focused on statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), and avoided the use of the term ‘statin intolerance’. Although muscle syndromes are the most common adverse effects observed after statin therapy, excluding other side effects might underestimate the number of patients with statin intolerance, which might be observed in 10 – 15% of patients.In clinical practice, statin intolerance limits effective treatment of patients at risk of, or with, cardiovascular disease. Knowledge of the most common adverse effects of statin therapy that might cause statin intolerance and the clear definition of this phenomenon is crucial to effectively treat patients with lipid disorders. Therefore, the aim of this position paper was ...
250 citations
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TL;DR: Data indicate that 2 independent but complementary mechanisms may be operative in the atorvastatin-induced reduction of atherogenic LDL levels in CHL: first, a significant degree of normalization of both the circulating levels and the quality of their key precursors, ie, VLDL1, and second, enhanced catabolism of the major LDL subspecies.
Abstract: Combined hyperlipidemia (CHL) is characterized by a concomitant elevation of plasma levels of triglyceride-rich, very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and cholesterol-rich, low density lipoproteins (LDLs). The predominance of small, dense LDLs contributes significantly to the premature development of coronary artery disease in patients with this atherogenic dyslipoproteinemia. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of atorvastatin, a newly developed inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase, on the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-mediated remodeling of apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing lipoprotein subspecies, and more specifically, the particle subpopulations of VLDL and LDL in CHL. In parallel, we evaluated the atorvastatin-induced modulation of the quantitative and qualitative features of atherogenic apo B-containing and cardioprotective apo AI-containing lipoprotein subspecies. Atorvastatin therapy (10 mg/d for a 6-week period) in patients with a lipid phenotype typical of CHL (n=18) induced reductions of 31% (P<0.0001) and 36% (P<0.0001) in plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, respectively. In addition, atorvastatin significantly reduced VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apo B levels by 43% (P<0.0001), 27% (P=0.0006), and 31% (P<0.0001), respectively. The plasma concentrations of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (VLDL1, Sf 60 to 400; VLDL2, Sf 20 to 60; and intermediate density lipoproteins, Sf 12 to 20) and of LDL, as determined by chemical analysis, were markedly diminished after drug therapy (-30% and -28%, respectively; P<0.0007). Atorvastatin significantly reduced circulating levels of all major LDL subspecies, ie, light (-28%, P<0.0008), intermediate (-27%, P<0.0008), and dense (-32%, P<0.0008) LDL; moreover, in terms of absolute lipoprotein mass, the reduction in dense LDL levels (mean -62 mg/dL) was preponderant. In addition, the reduction in plasma dense LDL concentration after therapy was significantly correlated with a reduction in plasma VLDL1 levels (r=0.429, P=0.0218). Atorvastatin induced a significant reduction (-7%, P=0.0039) in total CETP-dependent CET activity, which accurately reflects a reduction in plasma CETP mass concentration. Total CETP-mediated CET from high density lipoproteins to apo B-containing lipoproteins was significantly reduced (-26%, P<0.0001) with drug therapy. Furthermore, CETP activity was significantly correlated with the atorvastatin-induced reduction in plasma VLDL1 levels (r=0.456, P=0. 0138). Indeed, atorvastatin significantly and preferentially decreased CET from HDL to the VLDL1 subfraction (-37%, P=0.0064), thereby reducing both the levels (-37%, P=0.0001) and the CE content (-20%, P<0.005) of VLDL1. We interpret our data to indicate that 2 independent but complementary mechanisms may be operative in the atorvastatin-induced reduction of atherogenic LDL levels in CHL: first, a significant degree of normalization of both the circulating levels and the quality of their key precursors, ie, VLDL1, and second, enhanced catabolism of the major LDL particle subclasses (ie, light, intermediate, and dense LDL) due to upregulation of hepatic LDL receptors.
243 citations
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Charité1, National Institutes of Health2, University of Paris3, Ninewells Hospital4, Sahlgrenska University Hospital5, Wayne State University6, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg7, Trinity College, Dublin8, Utrecht University9, University of Amsterdam10, University of Zurich11, Imperial College London12, University of Bern13, University of Lisbon14, Hacettepe University15, Leiden University Medical Center16, University of Milan17
TL;DR: A correction has been published: European Heart Journal, Volume 39, Issue 22, 7 June 2018, pages 2105 and 2105.
Abstract: A correction has been published: European Heart Journal, Volume 39, Issue 22, 7 June 2018, Pages 2105
174 citations
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01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: These standards of care are intended to provide clinicians, patients, researchers, payors, and other interested individuals with the components of diabetes care, treatment goals, and tools to evaluate the quality of care.
Abstract: XI. STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING DIABETES CARE D iabetes is a chronic illness that requires continuing medical care and patient self-management education to prevent acute complications and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Diabetes care is complex and requires that many issues, beyond glycemic control, be addressed. A large body of evidence exists that supports a range of interventions to improve diabetes outcomes. These standards of care are intended to provide clinicians, patients, researchers, payors, and other interested individuals with the components of diabetes care, treatment goals, and tools to evaluate the quality of care. While individual preferences, comorbidities, and other patient factors may require modification of goals, targets that are desirable for most patients with diabetes are provided. These standards are not intended to preclude more extensive evaluation and management of the patient by other specialists as needed. For more detailed information, refer to Bode (Ed.): Medical Management of Type 1 Diabetes (1), Burant (Ed): Medical Management of Type 2 Diabetes (2), and Klingensmith (Ed): Intensive Diabetes Management (3). The recommendations included are diagnostic and therapeutic actions that are known or believed to favorably affect health outcomes of patients with diabetes. A grading system (Table 1), developed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and modeled after existing methods, was utilized to clarify and codify the evidence that forms the basis for the recommendations. The level of evidence that supports each recommendation is listed after each recommendation using the letters A, B, C, or E.
9,618 citations
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4,069 citations
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TL;DR: In this trial, inhibition of PCSK9 with evolocumab on a background of statin therapy lowered LDL cholesterol levels to a median of 30 mg per deciliter (0.78 mmol per liter) and reduced the risk of cardiovascular events.
Abstract: BackgroundEvolocumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by approximately 60%. Whether it prevents cardiovascular events is uncertain. MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 27,564 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and LDL cholesterol levels of 70 mg per deciliter (1.8 mmol per liter) or higher who were receiving statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to receive evolocumab (either 140 mg every 2 weeks or 420 mg monthly) or matching placebo as subcutaneous injections. The primary efficacy end point was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, or coronary revascularization. The key secondary efficacy end point was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The median duration of follow-up was 2.2 years. ResultsAt 48 weeks, the ...
3,810 citations
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TL;DR: The next generation of scientists and decision-makers will be shaped by the experiences of those who have gone before them and will help shape the future of medicine and science.
3,797 citations
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Turku University Hospital1, National University of Ireland, Galway2, University of Catania3, University of Naples Federico II4, University of Paris5, Bispebjerg Hospital6, University of Sheffield7, University of Cambridge8, Stavanger University Hospital9, Oslo University Hospital10, Hospital Clínico San Carlos11, Mayo Clinic12, University of Western Brittany13, Rabin Medical Center14, Slovak Medical University15, Saarland University16, University of Barcelona17, University of Brescia18, University of Bern19, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg20, Leiden University Medical Center21
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present guidelines for the management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a pathological process characterized by atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the epicardial arteries.
Abstract: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a pathological process characterized by atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the epicardial arteries, whether obstructive or non-obstructive. This process can be modified by lifestyle adjustments, pharmacological therapies, and invasive interventions designed to achieve disease stabilization or regression. The disease can have long, stable periods but can also become unstable at any time, typically due to an acute atherothrombotic event caused by plaque rupture or erosion. However, the disease is chronic, most often progressive, and hence serious, even in clinically apparently silent periods. The dynamic nature of the CAD process results in various clinical presentations, which can be conveniently categorized as either acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). The Guidelines presented here refer to the management of patients with CCS. The natural history of CCS is illustrated in Figure 1.
3,448 citations