People who are struggling to keep their cholesterol levels in the safe range can be at peace. In a significant breakthrough for cardiovascular care, Merck has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its cholesterol pill, the first of its kind to receive the health regulator's nod.
About the cholesterol pill:
As per Merck, Lipfendra is a drug that can be used to treat patients with
hypercholesterolemia, a disorder known for an excess of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood. LDL is usually identified as the 'bad' cholesterol in the blood, often leading to plaque buildup in the arteries
As per Reuters, with the FDA approval, Lipfendra, also called enlicitide, would become the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor to enter the market, offering an alternative to a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs long dominated by
injectables. Its list price will be $10.50 per day (around ₹1011), based on a 30-day supply.
The approval also marks an important milestone for people living with high cholesterol, especially those who struggle to achieve their cholesterol goals despite taking statins.
How does it work?
Lipfendra works by blocking the PCSK9 protein, which plays a vital role in regulating cholesterol levels. The oral statins usually block an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol.
The protein called PCSK9 normally limits the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. By blocking PCSK9, the drug allows the liver to clear more LDL cholesterol.
What is LDL cholesterol:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is sometimes called 'bad' cholesterol. It makes up most of the body's cholesterol and high levels of LDL cholesterol raise the risk for heart disease and stroke.
For more information, consult a medical expert.
