A new experimental medication called Enlicitide has shown powerful cholesterol-lowering effects in a large clinical study. In a phase three trial reported in The NEJM, the once-daily pill reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, by as much as 60%.
Scientists have long recognized that LDL cholesterol plays a central role in cardiovascular disease. These cholesterol-carrying particles can accumulate within the walls of blood vessels, gradually forming fatty deposits known as plaques. This process, called atherosclerosis, can narrow arteries and eventually trigger heart attacks or strokes. Because of this link, reducing LDL cholesterol remains one of the most important strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease and lowering risk in people who already have it.
Decades of research work is behind this discovery and the science behind Enlicitide traces back to foundational research carried out at UT Southwestern. Several decades ago, Michael Brown, M.D., Professor of Molecular Genetics and Internal Medicine, and Joseph Goldstein, M.D., Chair and Professor of Molecular Genetics and Professor of Internal Medicine, identified the LDL receptor on liver cells.
This receptor removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Their discovery earned the pair the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1985 and opened the door to the development of statins, which later became the most widely used medications for lowering cholesterol.
Enlicitide inhibits a liver protein called PCSK9 to clear out LDL cholesterol. This is not yet FDA approved.
Drugs like Lipitor, Crestor works by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase in the liver. While injectable PCSK9 inhibitor drugs like Evolocumab, Alirocumab, Inclisiran (siRNA - small interfering RNA) do exist these are expensive and only used in specific cases. The new Merck drug is oral and also said to be well tolerated.
Scientists have long recognized that LDL cholesterol plays a central role in cardiovascular disease. These cholesterol-carrying particles can accumulate within the walls of blood vessels, gradually forming fatty deposits known as plaques. This process, called atherosclerosis, can narrow arteries and eventually trigger heart attacks or strokes. Because of this link, reducing LDL cholesterol remains one of the most important strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease and lowering risk in people who already have it.
Decades of research work is behind this discovery and the science behind Enlicitide traces back to foundational research carried out at UT Southwestern. Several decades ago, Michael Brown, M.D., Professor of Molecular Genetics and Internal Medicine, and Joseph Goldstein, M.D., Chair and Professor of Molecular Genetics and Professor of Internal Medicine, identified the LDL receptor on liver cells.
This receptor removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Their discovery earned the pair the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1985 and opened the door to the development of statins, which later became the most widely used medications for lowering cholesterol.
Enlicitide inhibits a liver protein called PCSK9 to clear out LDL cholesterol. This is not yet FDA approved.
Drugs like Lipitor, Crestor works by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase in the liver. While injectable PCSK9 inhibitor drugs like Evolocumab, Alirocumab, Inclisiran (siRNA - small interfering RNA) do exist these are expensive and only used in specific cases. The new Merck drug is oral and also said to be well tolerated.
