A new experimental pill taken once daily has been shown to reduce levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol by around 60%, according to results from a major phase three trial. The medicine, called enlicitide, works in the same way as powerful cholesterol-lowering injections but in oral form, potentially offering a more convenient option for patients.
The trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, involved nearly 3,000 participants, most of whom were already taking statins but still had elevated LDL cholesterol. After 24 weeks, those on enlicitide saw about 60% lower LDL levels compared to those on a placebo, with benefits sustained over a year.
Lead investigator Dr Ann Marie Navar, a cardiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Centre, said: “Fewer than half of patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease currently reach LDL cholesterol goals. An oral therapy this effective has the potential to dramatically improve our ability to prevent heart attacks and strokes on a population level.”
LDL cholesterol clogs arteries over time, driving heart attacks and strokes. A once-daily pill could remove barriers to treatment, especially for those who struggle with injections or clinic visits. However, enlicitide is still experimental and requires regulatory approval before it can be prescribed in the UK. A further trial is underway to confirm whether the LDL reductions translate into fewer cardiovascular events.
