{"id":55,"date":"2026-11-06T09:06:25","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=55"},"modified":"2026-11-06T09:06:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:25","slug":"this-new-oral-pill-could-make-lowering-ldl-cholesterol-easier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=55","title":{"rendered":"This New Oral Pill Could Make Lowering LDL Cholesterol Easier"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"health-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-page mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content article-content expert-content right-rail__offset lock-journey\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"60\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[400, 1400, 1400, 1700, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-key-takeaway theme-key-takeaway\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<ul>\n<li>Lipfendra is the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor approved to lower LDL cholesterol.<\/li>\n<li>In clinical trials, Lipfendra lowered LDL cholesterol by about 56%-59% for patients who were already taking statins.<\/li>\n<li>Lipfendra may offer a more convenient alternative to injectable PCSK9 inhibitors for people who need additional cholesterol lowering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Millions of Americans take daily medication to keep their cholesterol in check. For many, that means taking a statin, but some of the most effective cholesterol treatments require regular injections.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Several types of medications can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or \u201cbad,\u201d cholesterol, including statins, Zetia (ezetimibe), and injectable PCSK9 inhibitors. Now, a new drug called Lipfendra (enlicitide)\u2014the first oral form of PCSK9 inhibitor\u2014offers another option. The medication can be taken on its own or alongside statins.<span data-cite=\"1\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-how-does-lipfendra-work\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How Does Lipfendra Work? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Unlike statins, which reduce the body\u2019s cholesterol production, Lipfendra blocks a protein called PCSK9. This allows the liver to remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native \" style=\"--native-ad-height: auto\" data-right-rail-index=\"1\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native__adunit_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native__adunit mm-ads-gpt-dynamic-adunit mm-ads-gpt-adunit scads-to-load gpt native js-immediate-ad js-immediate-ad-loaded\">\n<div id=\"native\" class=\"wrapper\" data-type=\"native\" data-pos=\"native\" data-priority=\"4\" data-sizes=\"[[1, 3],&quot;fluid&quot;]\" data-rtb=\"false\" data-wait-for-third-party=\"false\" data-targeting=\"{}\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Injectable PCSK9 inhibitors, including <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/praluent-vs-repatha-8576469\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Repatha and Praluent<\/a>, have been available for a decade. However, they remain underused, said <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/doctors\/allen-j-taylor-md\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Allen Taylor, MD<\/a>, chairman of cardiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> An oral version could make this type of treatment a more appealing option for some people.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cWe always focus on lifestyle, eating right, and exercising for lowering cholesterol, but when it comes to treatment with medications, treating aggressively is the best thing we can do,\u201d Taylor told Verywell. \u201cAnd, for far too long, we\u2019ve just had statins, and as good as they are, they\u2019ve left levels too high for many people.\u201d&nbsp;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-how-effective-is-lipfendra\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How Effective Is Lipfendra? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Lipfendra was evaluated in two clinical trials involving more than 3,000 adults who were already taking statins. Researchers looked at how well the drug lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or \u201cbad,\u201d cholesterol compared with a placebo.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The first trial included adults with heart disease caused by plaque buildup in the arteries or those at high risk for it. Participants started with an average LDL cholesterol level of 96 mg\/dL. After six months, people taking Lipfendra lowered their LDL cholesterol by an average of 56% more than those taking a placebo.<span data-cite=\"3\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The second trial enrolled adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), an inherited condition that causes very high LDL cholesterol. Participants started with an average LDL cholesterol level of 119 mg\/dL. People taking Lipfendra lowered their LDL cholesterol by an average of 59% compared to those taking a placebo.<span data-cite=\"2\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Those reductions could help many patients reach <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/cholesterol-levels-by-age-chart-5190176\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">recommended cholesterol goals<\/a>. Current cholesterol guidelines recommend lowering LDL cholesterol to less than 70 mg\/dL for many people at intermediate or high cardiovascular risk and to less than 55 mg\/dL for people at very high risk.<span data-cite=\"4\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The most common side effects reported in the trials included headache, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/school.wakehealth.edu\/faculty\/s\/michael-d-shapiro\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michael D. Shapiro, DO<\/a>, a professor of preventive cardiology at Wake Forest University, said Repatha and Praluent have been shown to not only reduce LDL cholesterol but also help prevent cardiovascular disease and deaths. It\u2019s likely that Lipfendra achieves that as well, but the trials are not completed yet.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-spotlight--mid-circ_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-spotlight--mid-circ mntl-sc-block-spotlight--mid-circ mntl-block theme-mid-circ theme-mid-circ\">\n<h2 id=\"midcirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<div id=\"midcirc__card-list_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc__card-list mntl-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/experimental-one-time-treatment-for-cholesterol-11993763\" rel=\"nocaes\" data-card-index=\"0\" data-click-tracked=\"false\" id=\"midcirc-card_1-0\" class=\"midcirc-card mntl-midcirc-card mntl-text-link \" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__title_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__title mntl-text-block\">An Experimental One-Time Treatment Could Cut \u2018Bad\u2019 Cholesterol for Years<\/div>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__image-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__image-wrapper mntl-block\">\n<div class=\"midcirc-card__image mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.6%;\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/3QetoDhp_BfHoHyFKdoSlPTZBAE=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-1497331906-16ac8cfc6c8545a398ef7cdcdc4704b7.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Man holding a medication bottle in front of an open cabinet with other medication bottles inside\" class=\" universal-image__image lazyloadwait\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/3QetoDhp_BfHoHyFKdoSlPTZBAE=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-1497331906-16ac8cfc6c8545a398ef7cdcdc4704b7.jpg\"\nwidth=\"300\"\nheight=\"200\"\nclass=\"img--noscript universal-image__image\"\nalt=\"Man holding a medication bottle in front of an open cabinet with other medication bottles inside\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/aspirin-may-not-prevent-lacunar-strokes-12013757\" rel=\"nocaes\" data-card-index=\"1\" data-click-tracked=\"false\" id=\"midcirc-card_2-0\" class=\"midcirc-card mntl-midcirc-card mntl-text-link \" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__title_2-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__title mntl-text-block\">Why Aspirin May Not Prevent This Common Stroke<\/div>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__image-wrapper_2-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__image-wrapper mntl-block\">\n<div class=\"midcirc-card__image mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.6%;\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/aMxvsFTRTjN4VeRWa16SVvszkqQ=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-489000963-e46fe685b6c245d99cb35cb5059d94b5.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Aspirin box and blister pack on a wooden surface near a glass of water\" class=\" universal-image__image lazyloadwait\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/aMxvsFTRTjN4VeRWa16SVvszkqQ=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-489000963-e46fe685b6c245d99cb35cb5059d94b5.jpg\"\nwidth=\"300\"\nheight=\"200\"\nclass=\"img--noscript universal-image__image\"\nalt=\"Aspirin box and blister pack on a wooden surface near a glass of water\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-who-is-eligible-for-lipfendra\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Who Is Eligible for Lipfendra? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Under the FDA approval, Lipfendra is indicated for adults with high LDL cholesterol or HeFH. It\u2019s most likely to be prescribed for patients whose LDL cholesterol remains high despite taking other medications such as statins, or those who can\u2019t tolerate statins because of side effects like muscle pain.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Taylor said patients who are already taking a statin will likely remain on it even if they start Lipfendra because \u201cstatins can do things the PCSK9 drugs cannot.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Statins not only lower cholesterol by reducing the amount the liver produces, but they also help <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/statins-anti-inflammatory-and-other-good-effects-698210\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">stabilize plaque in the arteries<\/a> and reduce inflammation. PCSK9 inhibitors work differently by helping the liver remove LDL cholesterol.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-how-much-will-lipfendra-cost\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How Much Will Lipfendra Cost? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Lipfendra is expected to be less expensive than the injectable versions on the market. According to the drugmaker Merck, a 30-day supply will cost $315, though people whose insurance covers the drug will pay a much lower copay.<span data-cite=\"5\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span> By comparison, a 30-day supply of Praluent with an online coupon costs about $550, while Repatha costs about $240.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Merck will also make the drug available at a lower price on TrumpRx, the White House discount drug program for patients whose insurance does not cover certain drugs.<span data-cite=\"6\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-article_1-0\" class=\"comp post-article mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read More:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_5-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Prevention &amp; Treatment<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prescription-and-otc-drugs-8640681\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_6-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Drugs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sources_1-0\" class=\"comp sources mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">6 Sources<\/span><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon show-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#show-icon\" href=\"#show-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon hide-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#hide-icon\" href=\"#hide-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"source-guidelines_1-0\" class=\"comp source-guidelines mntl-text-block\">Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our <a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\">editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Food and Drug Administration. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-approves-first-oral-pcsk9-inhibitor-lower-ldl-cholesterol-adults-high-cholesterol\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FDA approves first oral PCSK9 inhibitor to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-3\">\n<p>Navar AM, Mikhailova E, Catapano AL, et al. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2511002\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A placebo-controlled trial of the oral PCSK9 inhibitor enlicitide<\/a>. <em>N Engl J Med<\/em>. 2026;394(6):529-539. doi:10.1056\/NEJMoa2511002<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Ballantyne CM, Gellis L, Tardif JC, et al. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jama.2025.20620\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Efficacy and safety of oral PCSK9 inhibitor enlicitide in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a randomized clinical trial<\/a>. <em>JAMA<\/em>. 2026;335(2):129-139. doi:10.1001\/jama.2025.20620<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-4\">\n<p>Writing Committee Members, Blumenthal RS, Morris PB, et al. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001423\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026 ACC\/AHA\/AACVPR\/ABC\/ACPM\/ADA\/AGS\/APhA\/ASPC\/NLA\/PCNA guideline on the management of dyslipidemia: a report of the American College of Cardiology\/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines<\/a>. <em>Circulation<\/em>. 2026;153(17):e1154-e1276. doi:10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001423<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-5\">\n<p>Reuters. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/legal\/litigation\/mercks-cholesterol-pill-gets-us-fda-approval-2026-07-16\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merck gets US FDA nod for first-in-its-class oral cholesterol drug<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-6\">\n<p>Fierce Pharma. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiercepharma.com\/pharma\/merck-scores-fda-nod-lipfendra-becomes-first-oral-pcsk9-treatment\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merck scores at FDA as Lipfendra becomes world\u2019s first oral PCSK9 treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"author-bio_1-0\" class=\"comp author-bio bio--expanded\">\n<p class=\"author-bio__bio-text\">\n<span class=\"author-bio__bio-title\">By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/fran-kritz-5081944\">Fran Kritz<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<br \/>\nKritz is a healthcare reporter with a focus on health policy. She is a former staff writer for U.S. News and World Report.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon trust-ribbon-expandable-block\">\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"loc static-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__editorial_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__editorial trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_1-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">See Our Editorial Process<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__review_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__review trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon reviewer-icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-review\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#reviewer-icon\" href=\"#reviewer-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_2-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Meet Our Medical Expert Board<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<button id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_3-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-block\">Share Feedback<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback-block_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback-block article-feedback mntl-article-feedback\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__rating-section js-rating-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Was this page helpful?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__success-section js-success-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Thanks for your feedback!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__feedback-section js-feedback-section\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">What is your feedback?<\/div>\n<p><button id=\"helpful-button_1-0\" class=\"comp helpful-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Helpful<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"report-error-button_1-0\" class=\"comp report-error-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Report an Error<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"other-button_1-0\" class=\"comp other-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Other<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon icon-x close-button\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#icon-x\" href=\"#icon-x\"><\/use>\n<\/svg> <\/p>\n<form action=\"\/ugc-feedback\" method=\"post\" class=\"article-feedback__feedback-form js-feedback-form\">\n<textarea class=\"article-feedback__feedback-text js-feedback-text\" placeholder=\"Tell us more...\" required=\"required\" maxlength=\"1500\"><\/textarea><br \/>\n<button id=\"article-feedback__submit-button_1-0\" class=\"comp article-feedback__submit-button mntl-button\"> Submit<br \/>\n<\/button> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"doc-id\" value=\"12020509\" class=\"js-doc-id\"><br \/>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Lipfendra is the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor approved to lower LDL cholesterol. In clinical trials, Lipfendra lowered LDL cholesterol by about 56%-59% for patients who were already taking statins. Lipfendra may offer a more convenient alternative to injectable&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chua-phan-loai"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=55"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=55"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=55"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=55"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}