A groundbreaking once-daily pill has achieved a remarkable 60% reduction in ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, offering hope for preventing countless heart attacks and strokes.
This medication has recently cleared a significant phase three trial, achieving the most substantial decrease in LDL cholesterol recorded with an oral treatment since statins were first introduced.
The drug, known as enlicitide, functions similarly to powerful cholesterol-lowering injections but is available in pill form. Experts indicate that it could greatly ease the lives of patients who, despite taking high-dose statins, still struggle to reach optimal cholesterol levels.
Dr. Ann Marie Navar, the lead researcher and a cardiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, commented: “Less than half of patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease currently attain their LDL cholesterol targets.”
“An oral treatment of this effectiveness could significantly enhance our capacity to prevent heart attacks and strokes on a large scale.”
As detailed in The New England Journal of Medicine, the trial involved nearly 3,000 participants, most of whom were already using statins but continued to have high LDL levels.
After 24 weeks, those taking enlicitide had about 60% lower LDL than those on placebo, and these benefits remained consistent over a year.
LDL cholesterol accumulates in arteries gradually, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
A once-daily tablet could eliminate a significant obstacle to treatment and broaden availability, particularly for those who find it difficult to visit clinics or store and administer injectable medications.
Numerous patients, including those working extended hours, struggle to reach their targets even with the most potent statins – whether due to adverse reactions, drug limitations, or the additional inconvenience of injections.
Enlicitide remains under investigation and will require regulatory authorisation before physicians in the UK can prescribe it.
An additional trial is currently in progress to establish whether the substantial LDL reductions result in fewer heart attacks and strokes, rather than merely improved laboratory results.
