The Food and Drug Administration approved Lipfendra, a new daily pill from Merck designed to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Lipfendra, a first-of-its-kind oral medication manufactured by Merck, to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol. The pill is designed to be taken once daily as an accompaniment to a healthy diet and exercise. The new drug works by inhibiting the PCSK9 protein, which typically prevents the body from clearing LDL from the blood. While PCSK9 inhibitors were previously only available as expensive biweekly or monthly injections, Lipfendra offers a more convenient oral format. The pill carries a list price of approximately $300 a month, making it more affordable than comparable injectables which cost roughly $500. The FDA reached this decision based on late-stage trials showing that Lipfendra cut LDL levels by 56% to 59% compared to a placebo. Experts suggest the oral format will broaden adoption for patients who prefer pills over shots. The drug is expected to reach pharmacies in the coming weeks to help patients manage cardiovascular health.

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