The FDA has approved Lipfendra, the first oral medication designed to lower high cholesterol by blocking the PCSK9 protein. This new pill offers a comparable reduction in LDL cholesterol to existing injectable drugs like Repatha and Praluent, with studies showing over a 50% decrease. Lipfendra also demonstrates a modest reduction in Lp(a) levels, though it does not outperform current injectable options in this regard. While its effectiveness in preventing heart attacks and strokes is still under investigation, the oral formulation is expected to improve patient adherence. AI
IMPACT This development offers a new oral treatment option for managing high cholesterol, potentially improving patient adherence compared to injectable medications.
RANK_REASON FDA approval of a new drug class for a common condition. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.0]
- Abeer Berry
- DMC Huron Valley Sinai Hospital
- enlicitide decanoate
- evolocumab
- hypercholesterolemia
- Lipfendra
- Midwestern University Downers Grove
- Mohammed Alotaibi
- PCSK9
- Praluent
- Repatha
- United States Food and Drug Administration
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