What is enlicitide and how does it work?

Enlicitide is an experimental pill that helps the body clear cholesterol, offering an alternative to statins and injectable medications for lowering LDL cholesterol.

How effective is the new enlicitide pill?

In a study, enlicitide reduced LDL cholesterol by up to 60% in high-risk patients over six months, with sustained benefits over a year.

What is the current status of enlicitide?

Data from studies is being submitted to the FDA for approval, and Merck is pursuing an ultra-fast review process.

Home / Health / New Pill Beats Statins for Cholesterol

New Pill Beats Statins for Cholesterol

5 Feb

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Summary

New pill drastically cuts LDL cholesterol in high-risk patients.
Enlicitide shows promise as an easier alternative to injections.
Study data is being submitted for FDA approval.

An experimental pill named enlicitide has demonstrated a remarkable ability to reduce high LDL cholesterol levels in patients at elevated risk for heart attacks, even when they are already undergoing statin therapy. This novel medication aids the body in clearing cholesterol through a mechanism distinct from statins, offering a potentially more convenient oral option compared to existing injectable treatments.

In a large-scale study involving over 2,900 high-risk patients, those who took a daily enlicitide pill alongside their standard treatment experienced up to a 60% decrease in LDL cholesterol within six months. This significant reduction was sustained over a year with no adverse safety findings compared to the placebo group.

Statins are foundational in cholesterol management by limiting liver production, but many patients require additional intervention. While powerful PCSK9 inhibitor injections exist, their uptake is limited due to administration complexity and cost. Enlicitide aims to bridge this gap.