Heba El-Ahmad

Project Proposal
My research synthesis paper is about PCSK9 inhibitor drugs and their benefits in
comparison to the current Statins used to treat high LDL cholesterol. I plan to enter my research
into the DuPont Challenge. High cholesterol is a problem for 31.7% of adults in the United
States, and many of these people are having intolerances to the current class of drugs, Statins.
These PCSK9 inhibitors could provide a more effective alternate with far fewer side effects for
those unable to take Statins but need their cholesterol lowered (to prevent heart disease/
atherosclerosis). Anyone with high cholesterol could be interested in reading my paper, and I am
entering it in this competition to spread information about this new class of drugs and provide a
direct comparison between the Statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. This could also benefit those who
would want to participate in a PCSK9 inhibitor clinical trial (so they do not have to pay for the
drug), since I will be discussing my experience working with the nurses to implement the trial.
This years competition deadline is February 5th, 2016. I will spend the end of January and
beginning of February preparing for that. The rest of February will be used to set up my online
Weebly portfolio, and in March I will complete my project abstract and any other tasks assigned.
In April I will prepare for the Celebration of Excellence (May 3, 2016). The time before the
Celebration of Excellence will be used to plan and create my presentation board, which will also
be about PCSK9 inhibitors. I can spend the rest of the year following the development of PCSK9
research and continuing to collect information and articles.