New experimental pill lowers "bad" cholesterol by up to 60%

An experimental oral medication currently in the final phase of clinical trials could significantly improve cholesterol control in patients at high risk of heart attack, according to a new international study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Euronews reports.

According to the results, the enlicitide pill reduced LDL cholesterol levels (“bad” cholesterol) by up to 60% in patients who remained at increased cardiovascular risk despite ongoing treatment. Nearly 3,000 people with atherosclerosis or at high risk of developing the disease participated in the study, with two-thirds receiving the active treatment and the remainder receiving a placebo.

After 24 weeks, participants taking the new medication achieved approximately 60% lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, a significant reduction was observed in other lipid markers associated with cardiovascular risk, including HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a). The effect was maintained throughout a one-year follow-up period.

Researchers note that reducing LDL cholesterol remains a key factor in preventing heart attacks and strokes, especially in patients who do not reach target levels with standard statin therapy alone. According to the study’s lead author, Prof. Ann Marie Navar of UT Southwestern Medical Center, such an effective oral therapy could substantially improve cardiovascular risk control on a population scale.

Specialists emphasize that despite the promising results, longer-term studies will be necessary to determine whether the medication actually reduces the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the drug an expedited regulatory review process.