FDA Approves Lipfendra Pill, Cutting LDL Cholesterol by Up to 60%
Updated
Updated · VC Star · Jul 28
FDA Approves Lipfendra Pill, Cutting LDL Cholesterol by Up to 60%
3 articles · Updated · VC Star · Jul 28
Summary
Lipfendra, the newly approved oral PCSK9 inhibitor enlicitide, gives patients with elevated cholesterol a non-injectable alternative for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Up to 60% LDL reduction puts the once-daily pill in line with leading statins and injectable PCSK9 drugs, addressing demand from patients who avoid statins or dislike shots.
Food interactions may affect absorption, and trials reported somewhat higher gastrointestinal side effects, while large outcome studies on heart attacks and strokes are still underway.
The approval marks the first oral PCSK9 option in a class previously limited to injectables, with other oral candidates already in development.