Amgen has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Repatha® (evolocumab) Pushtronex™ system (on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge), a new, monthly single-dose administration option. The Pushtronex system is a hands-free device designed to provide 420 mg of Repatha in a single dose. Repatha is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks a protein called proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which inhibits the body's natural system for eliminating "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL-C) from the blood. Repatha is the first and only PCSK9 inhibitor to offer a monthly single-dose delivery option.

In the U.S., Repatha is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), who require additional lowering of LDL-C; and as an adjunct to diet and other LDL-lowering therapies for the treatment of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) over age 13, who require additional lowering of LDL-C. The effect of Repatha on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

The new, single-use device was developed in collaboration with West Pharmaceutical Services, based on the SmartDose® technology platform, to provide patients with an additional dosing option for Repatha treatment. The device adheres to the body and patients are hands free during administration. Patients are able to perform moderate physical activities (such as walking, reaching or bending) as the 420 mg of Repatha is delivered subcutaneously.

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