FDA approves first daily pill to drastically lower cholesterol levels

Federal regulators approved a first-of-its-kind cholesterol medication from Merck that rivals the effectiveness of powerful drugs already on the market. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greenlighted the once-daily pill called Lipfendra, which reduces “bad” or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults by inhibiting the production of PCSK9 proteins.

Lipfendra is the first drug that is taken by mouth that blocks PCSK9, a protein that plays a vital role in regulating cholesterol levels. Injectable versions of PCSK9 inhibitors have been on the market for several years but are much more expensive.  

Clinical trials showed the medicine slashed levels of artery-clogging plaque by more than 56 percent compared to placebo.   

Over time, excess LDL-C penetrates the lining of your arteries. Together with inflammatory cells, it becomes trapped inside the artery walls, forming plaques.........

© The Hill