New Cholesterol-Lowering Pill Enlicitide Shows Promising Results in Clinical Trial
A new experimental pill, enlicitide, has demonstrated significant potential in reducing artery-clogging cholesterol levels in patients who are at high risk of heart attacks, despite already taking statins. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, enlicitide was tested on over 2,900 high-risk patients, resulting in a reduction of LDL cholesterol by up to 60% over six months. This pill offers an alternative to the current PCSK9 inhibitor injections, which are less favored due to their complexity and the discomfort of administration. The study, funded by Merck, indicates that enlicitide could become a more accessible option for patients if approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has already included the drug in a program for ultra-fast reviews, suggesting a potential for quicker availability to the public.