Home / Health / New Pill Cuts Bad Cholesterol by 60%
New Pill Cuts Bad Cholesterol by 60%
23 Mar
Summary
- An experimental pill drastically reduced LDL cholesterol by approximately 60%.
- The new drug is taken orally once daily, simplifying treatment.
- This breakthrough could significantly prevent heart attacks and strokes.
An experimental oral medication, enlicitide, has demonstrated a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol, achieving approximately 60% lower levels in participants of a recent large phase three trial. This oral therapy functions similarly to existing injectable cholesterol-lowering drugs but offers the convenience of a once-daily pill.
The trial, involving nearly 3,000 individuals primarily on statins with elevated LDL, found sustained benefits over a year. This development is crucial as high LDL cholesterol contributes to clogged arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. The ease of an oral pill could overcome barriers for patients who find injections or frequent clinic visits challenging.
While the results are promising, enlicitide is still experimental and requires regulatory approval. An ongoing trial aims to ascertain if the observed LDL reductions translate into a decrease in actual cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, beyond just improving lab numbers. Lead investigator Dr. Ann Marie Navar highlighted the potential for widespread improvement in cardiovascular disease prevention.
