Episode Details
Back to EpisodesNEJM February 5,2026:A Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor Enlicitide
Description
This study examines the effectiveness of enlicitide, a novel oral PCSK9 inhibitor, in treating patients with a genetic predisposition for dangerously high cholesterol. Researchers conducted a phase 3 clinical trial to see if this daily pill could further lower LDL-C levels in individuals who were already taking standard medications like statins but had not yet reached their health targets. The results were significant, showing that the drug drastically reduced "bad" cholesterol by nearly 60% compared to a placebo over the course of a year. Ultimately, the trial suggests that enlicitide is a well-tolerated and potent option for managing cardiovascular risk in high-stakes patients who require more aggressive lipid-lowering therapy.