Photo: PS Photography / Moment / Getty Images
A new daily pill, Enlicitide, developed by Merck, has shown promising results in reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol levels by 60%, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The trial, led by Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne of the Texas Heart Institute, involved 303 adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) across 59 medical sites in 17 countries.
Participants, who were already on lipid-lowering therapies, were randomly assigned to receive either 20 mg of Enlicitide or a placebo daily for 52 weeks. By week 24, those taking Enlicitide experienced an average LDL reduction of 58%, while the placebo group saw almost no change. The effect remained consistent through the one-year mark, with the Enlicitide group maintaining a 55% reduction. Other harmful fats also decreased, including non-HDL cholesterol by 52% and apolipoprotein B by 48%.
The trial showed that nearly 97% of participants completed the study, with side effects being mild and similar between both groups. Current PCSK9-blocking drugs require injections every few weeks, but Enlicitide offers a simpler oral option.
However, researchers caution that the study focused on cholesterol levels, not on actual prevention of heart attacks or strokes. Larger outcome studies are still ongoing to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy. The study's findings are significant for those with HeFH, a genetic condition affecting about one in 250 people worldwide, who struggle to manage cholesterol levels despite intensive therapy.