New Oral Medication Significantly Lowers Harmful Cholesterol and Reduces Genetic Heart Disease Risk

A recent clinical trial has revealed promising results for a new oral medication that significantly reduces harmful cholesterol levels (LDL) in adults with a genetic condition known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), one of the most common genetic lipid disorders.

The medication, named "Enlicitide", developed by American pharmaceutical company Merck, is part of a new class of PCSK9 inhibitors. Unlike traditional medications, it is administered in the form of a daily tablet rather than injections, which could improve patient adherence in the future.

* Mechanism of Action

"Enlicitide" inhibits the protein PCSK9 in the bloodstream, which typically degrades liver receptors responsible for removing harmful cholesterol from the blood. By inhibiting this protein, the number of liver receptors increases, enhancing the removal of LDL and thereby reducing the risk of fat deposits in arteries, heart disease, and early strokes.

* Clinical Trial Results

The Phase III study included 303 adults from 17 countries, all of whom were already taking statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups:

_ Group One: received 20 mg of "Enlicitide" daily.

_ Group Two: received a placebo.

After 24 weeks, the group taking the active medication experienced an average reduction in LDL cholesterol of 58.2%, while no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. By the end of the 52 week period, the average LDL reduction remained at 55.3% for those taking "Enlicitide", while the placebo group saw an increase of 8.7% in LDL.

The medication also demonstrated positive effects on other heart disease-related indicators:

• Reduction in Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) by approximately 48.2%

• Reduction in Lipoprotein (a) by 24.7%

* Safety and Side Effects

The medication was well tolerated, with 77.7% of participants taking "Enlicitide" reporting at least one side effect, compared to 76.2% in the placebo group. Only 2% discontinued treatment due to side effects, versus 3% in the placebo group.

* Conclusion:

Researchers view "Enlicitide" as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for lowering harmful cholesterol in patients with HeFH, with the significant advantage of simple oral administration.

However, the critical question remains:

Will this substantial reduction in harmful cholesterol actually lead to a decrease in heart attacks, strokes, and mortality?

Further studies are underway to address this question and to test the medication in broader high-risk patient populations beyond those with the genetic lipid disorder.

Until long-term results are confirmed, "Enlicitide" is considered a promising addition to the group of cholesterol-lowering medications, particularly due to its ease of administration as a daily tablet.