Tulsa, Okla. –
What is Lipfendra?
Lipfendra is a new prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lower LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol. Developed by Merck, it is the first oral medication in the PCSK9 inhibitor drug class.
Until now, PCSK9 inhibitors have only been available as injectable medications.
How does it work?
Lipfendra blocks a protein called PCSK9, allowing the liver to remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Lowering LDL cholesterol helps reduce plaque buildup inside arteries. Over time, plaque can narrow or block arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Who is the drug for?
The medication is approved for adults with high levels of LDL cholesterol, particularly those at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
According to the American Heart Association, about one in four U.S. adults has high LDL cholesterol.
Why is this approval significant?
Doctors say the biggest difference is that the medication comes in pill form.
PCSK9 inhibitors have been highly effective at lowering cholesterol, but because they have only been available as injections, some patients have been reluctant to use them. An oral option may make treatment more appealing and easier for some people to take.
“We have had PCSK9 inhibitors on the market for a long time,” Dr. Addison McGinn, Cardiologist at Ascension St. John, said. “And despite the fact that they’re super effective, some patients are turned off by the cost and also that they’re injectable. Lipfendra is an oral medication, which is a huge advancement.”
What’s next?
The approval gives physicians another treatment option for patients who need additional help lowering their LDL cholesterol.
Doctors say the new oral medication could improve access to a class of drugs that has already proven effective for reducing cardiovascular risk.