Merck PCSK9 Pill Results Point to Extremely Low Cholesterol Future

Merck has developed a new pill called enlicitide that effectively lowers LDL cholesterol levels. This drug works by blocking the PCSK9 protein in the liver, which normally slows down the body's ability to remove cholesterol. Clinical trials have shown that enlicitide can reduce LDL levels by up to 60 percent, comparable to existing PCSK9-blocking injections. The development of enlicitide offers a potential alternative to costly and inconvenient biweekly or monthly injections of monoclonal antibodies that target PCSK9. These injectable drugs, while effective, are expensive and often face insurance hurdles, leading to low patient uptake. Many patients also express reluctance towards self-injection. A 24-week study involving nearly 3,000 high-risk patients demonstrated that enlicitide significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels, with no reported... download the app to read more