Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Enlicitide: New Drug Cuts LDL Cholesterol By 60 Percent, Offers Fresh Hope For Heart Health

enlicitide cholesterol

High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly called "bad" cholesterol, continue to be a leading modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) worldwide. While statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications have significantly improved treatment, many patients still do not reach the LDL-C targets recommended by guidelines. 

However, a new potential solution has emerged. The experimental daily oral drug called <span>enlicitide</span>, part of the PCSK9 inhibitor class, demonstrated in a key Phase 3 study (CORALreef Lipids) a reduction in LDL-C of about 55.8% at 24 weeks, with post-hoc analysis suggesting reductions up to 59.7% compared to a placebo.

Statins are the standard first-line treatment for high LDL-C and have strong evidence for lowering the risk of cardiovascular events. Yet, many patients either cannot tolerate high doses or still have elevated cholesterol levels. Injectable PCSK9 inhibitors, which are monoclonal antibodies, address this gap and can lower LDL-C by up to 70% but are expensive, require injections, and have limited uptake. 

Introducing an oral PCSK9 inhibitor could make powerful LDL-C reduction more accessible. According to trial data, enlicitide may achieve reductions similar to injectable options while being more convenient and potentially more widely available.

<h2>Enlicitide: A Potential Breakthrough for "Bad" Cholesterol</h2>

The CORALreef Lipids Phase 3 study involved 2,912 adults at risk of or with established ASCVD who were either already on lipid-lowering therapy or unable to take statins. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily 20 mg dose of oral enlicitide or a placebo. At 24 weeks, the main analysis showed an average LDL-C reduction of 55.8%, with a post-hoc reanalysis estimating 59.7%. The drug’s safety profile was similar to placebo, with no major safety concerns reported and low rates of discontinuation due to adverse effects.

<h2>Enlicitide Implications: What Does This Mean Clinically?</h2>

These reductions are substantial, suggesting oral enlicitide could:

<ul><li>Improve adherence since it eliminates the need for injections</li><li>Increase access, particularly in resource-limited areas</li><li>Provide an alternative for patients intolerant or resistant to statins</li></ul>

In India, where ASCVD prevalence is high and expensive therapies are less accessible, this pill could provide a practical, scalable option alongside diet, exercise, and current <span>statin</span> or ezetimibe treatments.

<h2>Enlicitide Caveats: Unanswered Questions To Be Mindful Of</h2>

Despite the promising LDL-C reductions, several key issues remain:

<ul><li>Cardiovascular outcomes: It is not yet confirmed whether enlicitide lowers heart attacks, strokes, or mortality. Current data focus on cholesterol reduction, not clinical endpoints.</li><li>Long-term safety: Data beyond 24 weeks and one year is limited.</li><li>Approval and cost: Enlicitide is still investigational and not available for regular use. Regulatory approvals, like <span rel="noindex">FDA</span> evaluation, will review full data. Its real-world adoption in India will depend on cost and accessibility.</li><li>Patient selection and combination therapy: How enlicitide will be integrated with existing statins, ezetimibe, and lifestyle interventions is still under review. Guidelines may require updating.</li><li>Sub-group efficacy: Will results apply across different ethnicities, comorbidities, and specifically the Indian population? Local data will be important.</li></ul>

The investigational oral pill enlicitide could represent a major advance in cholesterol management. For patients whose LDL-C remains high despite statins, or who cannot tolerate injections, it offers a potent and convenient alternative. Yet, medicine requires caution.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor or specialist before starting or changing any medication

Health Conditions A-Z

health

statin

Enlicitide

enlicitide ldl c reduction

enlicitide decanoate

enlicitide merck

merck enlicitide ldl cholesterol

enlicitide side effects

enlicitide trial

total synthesis of enlicitide

5 Early Signs Of Alzheimer's Disease Your Speech Can Reveal

Prostate Cancer Screening: How The PSA Test Works And Who Should Consider It

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly called "bad" cholesterol, continue to be a leading modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) worldwide. While statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications have significantly improved treatment, many patients still do not reach the LDL-C targets recommended by guidelines. However, a new potential solution has emerged. The experimental daily oral drug called enlicitide, part of the PCSK9 inhibitor class, demonstrated in a key Phase 3 study (CORALreef Lipids) a reduction in LDL-C of about 55.8% at 24 weeks, with post-hoc analysis suggesting reductions up to 59.7% compared to a placebo.Statins Vs EnlicitideStatins are the standard first-line treatment for high LDL-C and have strong evidence for lowering the risk of cardiovascular events. Yet, many patients either cannot tolerate high doses or still have elevated cholesterol levels. Injectable PCSK9 inhibitors, which are monoclonal antibodies, address this gap and can lower LDL-C by up to 70% but are expensive, require injections, and have limited uptake. Introducing an oral PCSK9 inhibitor could make powerful LDL-C reduction more accessible. According to trial data, enlicitide may achieve reductions similar to injectable options while being more convenient and potentially more widely available.Enlicitide: A Potential Breakthrough for "Bad" CholesterolThe CORALreef Lipids Phase 3 study involved 2,912 adults at risk of or with established ASCVD who were either already on lipid-lowering therapy or unable to take statins. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily 20 mg dose of oral enlicitide or a placebo. At 24 weeks, the main analysis showed an average LDL-C reduction of 55.8%, with a post-hoc reanalysis estimating 59.7%. The drug’s safety profile was similar to placebo, with no major safety concerns reported and low rates of discontinuation due to adverse effects.Enlicitide Implications: What Does This Mean Clinically?These reductions are substantial, suggesting oral enlicitide could:Improve adherence since it eliminates the need for injectionsIncrease access, particularly in resource-limited areasProvide an alternative for patients intolerant or resistant to statinsIn India, where ASCVD prevalence is high and expensive therapies are less accessible, this pill could provide a practical, scalable option alongside diet, exercise, and current statin or ezetimibe treatments.Enlicitide Caveats: Unanswered Questions To Be Mindful OfDespite the promising LDL-C reductions, several key issues remain:Cardiovascular outcomes: It is not yet confirmed whether enlicitide lowers heart attacks, strokes, or mortality. Current data focus on cholesterol reduction, not clinical endpoints.Long-term safety: Data beyond 24 weeks and one year is limited.Approval and cost: Enlicitide is still investigational and not available for regular use. Regulatory approvals, like FDA evaluation, will review full data. Its real-world adoption in India will depend on cost and accessibility.Patient selection and combination therapy: How enlicitide will be integrated with existing statins, ezetimibe, and lifestyle interventions is still under review. Guidelines may require updating.Sub-group efficacy: Will results apply across different ethnicities, comorbidities, and specifically the Indian population? Local data will be important.The investigational oral pill enlicitide could represent a major advance in cholesterol management. For patients whose LDL-C remains high despite statins, or who cannot tolerate injections, it offers a potent and convenient alternative. Yet, medicine requires caution.Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor or specialist before starting or changing any medication