Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor Offers Cholesterol Control Without the Needle

Photo by Danilo Alvesd on Unsplash

The results of a phase 3 clinical trial for enlicitide, a novel oral medication designed to lower cholesterol have been reported in a recent New England Journal of Medicine article. The study, involving nearly 3000 adults with existing or at high risk of cardiovascular disease, compared a daily 20mg dose against a placebo over one year.

Researchers found that the drug significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by approximately 57% within 24 weeks, alongside notable decreases in other harmful lipids. These improvements remained consistent and durable throughout the 52-week treatment period. Crucially, the safety profile of the oral inhibitor appeared comparable to the placebo, with no meaningful difference in side effects. The authors conclude that this convenient pill could offer a highly effective alternative to existing injectable therapies for managing heart disease risk.

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