00:00A new FDA-approved pill could give some patients another way to lower high cholesterol.
00:05The drug, called Lipfendra, is the first oral form of a PCSK9 inhibitor.
00:10It works differently from statins by helping the liver remove more LDL, or buy it cholesterol.
00:16The medication can be taken alone or alongside statins, depending on the patient.
00:22Two clinical trials included more than 3,000 adults already taking statins.
00:26In one trial, Lipfendra lowered LDL cholesterol by an average of 56% more than placebo.
00:32In another trial involving people with inherited high cholesterol, the reduction reached 59%.
00:38The drug is approved for adults with high LDL cholesterol or familial hypercholesterolemia.
00:45Merck says a 30-day supply will cost $350 before insurance coverage.
00:49Researchers are still studying whether Lipfendra can also reduce heart attacks, strokes, and deaths.
00:55Disclosure.
00:56This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced, using AI-assisted tools AI generated.
