Drugmaker Merck announces approval of new cholesterol-fighting drug
Summary
Merck announced that the FDA approved a new daily pill called Lipfendra to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL). This pill is an alternative to statins and can be taken alone or with statins, with fewer side effects reported.Key Facts
- Lipfendra is a pill version of a PCSK9 inhibitor drug that lowers LDL cholesterol.
- Statins have been the main treatment for high cholesterol but can cause muscle aches and may not lower LDL enough.
- About 70% of patients do not reach their recommended LDL cholesterol goals with current treatments.
- The new pill showed minimal side effects in clinical trials, similar to a placebo.
- The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recommend LDL levels below 100 mg/dL for most people.
- Lipfendra was previously available only as an injection, but the pill form is expected to increase its use.
- Merck plans to price the pill at $10.50 per day or over $300 per month, with hopes that patients pay less out-of-pocket.
- High LDL cholesterol contributes to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the US.
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