# Game-changing cholesterol pill wins FDA approval after cutting LDL nearly 60%

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/game-changing-cholesterol-pill-wins-fda-approval-after-cutting-ldl-nearly-60/
- Published: 2026-07-16T13:35:08+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-26T20:13:46+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/health/game-changing-cholesterol-pill-wins-fda-approval-cutting-ldl-nearly-60
- Topics: World

## Key points

- FDA approves Lipfendra, first oral PCSK9 inhibitor for cholesterol
- Merck's daily pill can cut LDL cholesterol by nearly 60%
- Offers needle-free alternative to existing injectable PCSK9 treatments

## Summary

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Lipfendra (enlicitide), the first once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor, giving millions of Americans with high cholesterol a new pill-based treatment option. Manufactured by Merck, the drug offers an alternative to existing PCSK9 inhibitors, which have previously only been available as injections, potentially making this class of cholesterol-lowering therapy more convenient and accessible for patients who prefer not to use needles.

Merck announced the FDA's approval on Thursday, describing Lipfendra as a breakthrough capable of significantly lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol, with reported reductions of nearly 60%. PCSK9 inhibitors work by helping the liver clear more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, and their approval in tablet form marks a notable shift for a drug class historically limited to injectable formulations.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.