ARThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new oral medication called enlicitide, which inhibits the action of the PCSK9 protein, a key target in treating high cholesterol. This marks the first time such a treatment is available in pill form, previously only offered as injections. Developed by Merck, the drug will be sold under the brand name Lipfendra and is expected to improve patient adherence to treatment due to its convenience. The medication is intended for adults with hypercholesterolemia, particularly those who do not achieve sufficient LDL cholesterol reduction with statins or have familial hypercholesterolemia. While effective, it does not replace statins but complements them by blocking PCSK9, allowing the body to remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood. In Argentina, over 35% of adults have elevated cholesterol levels, highlighting the potential impact of this new treatment.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on medical advancements related to cholesterol treatment and does not take a stance on political issues. It provides factual information about a newly approved drug, its mechanism of action, and its potential benefits without showing bias toward any political ideology or group.
