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New review of the first oral PCSK9 drug, a needle-free option for high cholesterol
Medical Xpress • • health
Key Points:
- A new review from Binghamton University highlights Lipfendra (enlicitide) as a beneficial oral alternative for patients intolerant to injectable cholesterol medications.
- Enlicitide, recently FDA-approved, is the first once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor, effectively lowering LDL cholesterol by 57% to 65% in patients already on statins.
- Clinical trials show enlicitide outperforms other oral cholesterol drugs like bempedoic acid and ezetimibe in LDL reduction, with minimal side effects such as mild diarrhea and dizziness.
- The medication is taken on an empty stomach with specific timing instructions and is priced at $315 for a 30-day supply, offering a cost-effective alternative to injectables.
- Although enlicitide has not yet demonstrated a reduction in heart attacks or strokes, it provides an important option for patients seeking oral LDL-lowering therapies.
