What's Happening?
Merck has developed a new pill, enlicitide, that targets the PCSK9 protein in the liver, significantly reducing LDL cholesterol levels. This development comes nearly 40 years after Merck introduced statins, marking a significant advancement in cholesterol management.
The pill works by blocking PCSK9, which enhances the body's ability to clear cholesterol, leading to a reduction in LDL levels and a decrease in heart attack and stroke rates by up to 20% in high-risk patients within the first year. The pill is seen as a more convenient and potentially more affordable alternative to existing monoclonal antibody injections, which are costly and underutilized due to their price and the inconvenience of self-injection.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of enlicitide could revolutionize cholesterol management, particularly for the six million adults in the U.S. eligible for PCSK9 inhibitors. Current treatments, such as Praluent and Repatha, are expensive and require biweekly or monthly injections, which many patients find inconvenient. By offering a pill form, Merck aims to increase accessibility and adherence to cholesterol-lowering treatments, potentially reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events. This could lead to significant healthcare savings and improved patient outcomes, as more individuals may opt for this easier-to-administer treatment.
What's Next?
Merck plans to present the results of a 24-week study involving 2,912 participants at an American Heart Association meeting. The study showed that enlicitide reduced LDL levels by up to 60%, comparable to the reductions achieved by injections. The company is focused on making the pill affordable to ensure widespread adoption. The healthcare industry and insurers will likely monitor the pill's market entry closely, as it could disrupt the current landscape of cholesterol management and influence insurance coverage policies.
