US EditionExperimental cholesterol-lowering pill may offer new option for millions
Enlicitide lowered LDL cholesterol by up to 60% over six months in a trial of over 2,900 high-risk patients on statins, offering a potential oral alternative to injections.
- On Wednesday, researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that more than 2,900 high-risk patients saw LDL cholesterol drop by as much as 60% over six months with enlicitide.
- Many high-risk patients still need additional LDL lowering despite statins, and PCSK9 inhibitors are underused because patients may dislike shots and doctors find prescribing complex.
- The pill works by helping rid the body of cholesterol like injected medicines, requires an empty stomach dosing requirement, and trial safety findings showed no difference versus placebo over about a year.
- The FDA has added the drug to an ultra-fast review program, and Merck is running a larger study of more than 14,000 patients to provide longer-term evidence.
- Heart disease is the nation's leading cause of death, and Dr. William Boden called the research 'compelling evidence' that the new pill lowers cholesterol as effectively as PCSK9 shots.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Experimental pill dramatically reduces 'bad' cholesterol
An experimental pill called enlicitide slashed levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol, by up to 60%, according to a new phase three clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. If approved by the Food and Drug Administration, this novel medication could help millions in the U.S. significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A new type of pill has significantly reduced cholesterol obstructing the arteries in people who remain exposed to a high risk of heart attack despite taking statins. Although still experimental, this medication helps the body to remove cholesterol by a mechanism that can only be obtained at the moment by means of high-risk ... Read more The article An experimental tablet drastically reduces cholesterol in high-risk patients appeared first on Fre…
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