New Oral Medication Significantly Lowers Bad Cholesterol and Reduces Risk of Genetic Heart Disease
A recent clinical study has demonstrated promising results for a new oral medication that significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in adults diagnosed with a hereditary 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, is part of a new class of PCSK9 inhibitors. Unlike traditional treatments that require injections, this medication is administered as a daily oral tablet, which may enhance patient adherence to treatment.
* Mechanism of Action
"Enlicitide" works by inhibiting the PCSK9 protein in the bloodstream, which typically leads to the degradation of liver receptors responsible for clearing bad cholesterol from the blood. By blocking this protein, the number of liver receptors increases, allowing for a greater removal of LDL cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of fat accumulation in arteries, heart disease, and early strokes.
* Clinical Trial Results
The phase three trial involved 303 adults across 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, LDL cholesterol levels decreased by 58.2% in the group receiving the active medication, while no significant change was observed in the placebo group. By week 52, the average reduction in LDL stabilized at 55.3% among "Enlicitide" users, while the placebo group saw an increase of 8.7% in LDL levels.
The medication also positively impacted other cardiovascular 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 "Enlicitide" users 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 consider "Enlicitide" to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for lowering bad cholesterol in individuals with HeFH, with a significant advantage being its oral administration. However, a critical question remains:
Will this substantial reduction in bad cholesterol lead to a real decrease in heart attacks, strokes, and mortality?
Further trials are currently underway to address this question and to evaluate the medication in broader high-risk patient populations, not just those with inherited lipid disorders.
Until long-term results are confirmed, "Enlicitide" is viewed as a promising addition to the range of lipid-lowering medications, with the benefit of being easily administered as a daily oral tablet.
