Daily medication cuts bad cholesterol by 60% in significant clinical research

New Pill Shows Potential in Lowering Bad Cholesterol

A recent study suggests that taking a new daily pill could significantly decrease bad cholesterol levels—by up to 60%. This finding comes from research on Enlisitide, created by Merck & Co., which demonstrated a remarkable reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol. The study was published this week in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Christy M. Ballantyne, from the Texas Heart Institute, spearheaded the trial, which included 59 medical facilities across 17 countries.

The study focused on 303 adults diagnosed with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a genetic condition that elevates LDL cholesterol and raises the risk of premature heart disease. It’s interesting, or maybe a bit concerning, that these participants were already on various medications and lipid-lowering therapies, yet their cholesterol levels still exceeded the optimal range, according to the researchers.

Participants were randomly divided to receive either a daily 20 mg dose of Enlisitide or a placebo. The trial spanned 52 weeks. Those taking Enlisitide averaged a decrease in LDL levels of 58% by the 24-week mark, while the placebo group experienced little to no change.

The study observed a nearly 60% difference between the two groups, which was statistically significant and remained consistent throughout the year. After 52 weeks, participants on Enlisitide had about a 55% reduction in cholesterol, whereas those on the placebo saw a slight increase, as indicated in the release.

Moreover, the study highlighted improvements in other harmful fat markers too. Non-HDL cholesterol dropped by 52%, while apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) saw reductions of 48% and nearly 25%, respectively. Remarkably, nearly 97% of the participants completed the study, with side effects being comparable across both groups, mainly consisting of mild and temporary issues like headaches and cold-like symptoms.

HeFH affects roughly 1 in 250 people globally, and many find it challenging to regulate their cholesterol despite aggressive treatment. Current PCSK9 inhibitors, when injected intermittently, yield similar results, but Enlisitide presents a potential simpler daily oral alternative.

However, the researchers cautioned that their findings have limitations. The study primarily focused on cholesterol levels, not whether the medication could prevent heart attacks, strokes, or mortality—outcome studies are still in progress.

Additionally, the research was confined to HeFH patients already undergoing other treatments, leaving uncertainty about the drug’s effects in those with more common high cholesterol. Plus, with a one-year duration, long-term safety remains unverified.