What is the medication 'Enlicitide'?

'Enlicitide' is a new oral medication developed by Merck that significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Why is this medication important?

This medication is crucial as it provides an alternative to injectable treatments, potentially improving patient adherence to cholesterol management.

What were the results of the clinical study?

The study indicated that 'Enlicitide' reduced LDL cholesterol by 58.2% over 24 weeks, along with positive effects on other cardiovascular health indicators.

What side effects were observed?

The medication was well tolerated, with 77.7% of patients reporting at least one side effect, but only 2% discontinued treatment due to these effects.

What implications does this medication have for patients?

It may offer a more convenient and effective option for managing cholesterol in patients at high risk for heart disease.

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

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for a new oral medication that significantly lowers levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults with a genetic condition known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), one of the most common inherited lipid disorders.

The medication, named "Enlicitide", developed by the American company "Merck", belongs to a new class of PCSK9 inhibitors. Unlike traditional medications, it is administered as a daily oral tablet rather than through injections, which may enhance patient adherence to treatment in the future.

* Mechanism of Action

"Enlicitide" works by inhibiting the PCSK9 protein in the bloodstream, which typically leads to the breakdown of liver receptors responsible for removing bad cholesterol from the blood. By blocking this protein, the number of liver receptors increases, allowing for greater removal of LDL, thereby reducing the risk of fat accumulation in arteries and preventing heart disease and premature strokes.

* Clinical Trial Results

The phase three trial involved 303 adults from 17 countries, all of whom were already taking statins or other lipid-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 active medication group experienced an average reduction in LDL cholesterol of 58.2%, while the placebo group showed no significant changes. At the end of 52 weeks, the average LDL reduction stabilized at 55.3% among those taking "Enlicitide", while LDL levels rose by 8.7% in the placebo group.

The medication also demonstrated positive effects on other cardiovascular health indicators:

• Approximately 48.2% reduction in apolipoprotein B (ApoB).

• Reduction of 24.7% in lipoprotein (a).

* Safety and Side Effects

The medication was well tolerated, with 77.7% of participants 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 believe that "Enlicitide" is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for lowering bad cholesterol in individuals with HeFH, with the significant advantage of being administered orally. However, a crucial question remains:

Will this substantial reduction in bad cholesterol translate into a real decrease in heart attacks, strokes, and mortality?

Further trials are underway to address this question and to test the medication in larger groups of high-risk patients beyond those with the inherited lipid disorder.

Until long-term results are confirmed, "Enlicitide" is viewed as a promising addition to the class of cholesterol-lowering medications, with the benefit of being easy to take as a daily oral tablet.