Merck’s experimental pill lowered bad cholesterol as much as shots

Merck, a pharmaceutical giant, has unveiled promising results from a recent Phase 3 clinical trial of their new oral PCSK9 inhibitor, Enlicitide. The trial, presented at a conference in New Orleans, focused on patients with high levels of LDL cholesterol who were already on statins but at high risk of experiencing a serious cardiovascular event.

The study enrolled 2,900 participants who had a history of conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease, and other risk factors like obesity and diabetes. The goal was to test the effectiveness of Enlicitide in further lowering LDL cholesterol levels in these high-risk individuals.

The results were impressive, with Enlicitide reducing LDL cholesterol by up to 60% in participants. Additionally, two-thirds of patients saw their cholesterol levels drop by at least half. This achievement is a significant milestone for Merck, as the company aimed to develop a pill that could match the LDL cholesterol reductions typically achieved with injected monoclonal antibodies.

Enlicitide offers a convenient once-daily dosing regimen, making it a more accessible option for patients compared to the injectable alternatives. The drug’s ability to significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels in high-risk individuals signals a potential breakthrough in the management of cardiovascular disease.

Overall, the findings from this trial highlight the promising potential of Enlicitide as a novel treatment option for individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol levels and a heightened risk of cardiovascular events. Merck’s dedication to developing innovative therapies to address the growing burden of heart disease and stroke is evident in the success of this Phase 3 trial.

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