Fig. 1. Inclisiran is a siRNA. Having entered hepatocytes conjugated with GalNAc, the antisense strand then combines with RISC and targets PCSK9 mRNA for degradation. Less PCSK9 synthesis leads to less PCSK9-mediated LDL receptor degradation and more recycling of the LDL receptor, consequently resulting in more LDL uptake and lower plasma levels of LDL cholesterol.

siRNA, small interfering RNA; GalNAc, N-acetylgalactosamine; RISC, RNA-induced silencing complex; PCSK9, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9; LDL, low-density lipoprotein.