Merck's experimental pill enlicitide sharply lowered cholesterol in a large study - Takeaways - MDSpire

Merck's experimental pill enlicitide sharply lowered cholesterol in a large study

  • By

  • Lauran Neergaard

  • February 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Merck's investigational medication enlicitide significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by up to 60% in high-risk patients over six months.

  • 2

    Enlicitide offers a potential oral alternative to injected medications for cholesterol reduction in patients not adequately managed by statins.

  • 3

    The study involved over 2,900 participants and showed no safety differences between enlicitide and placebo.

  • 4

    FDA approval for enlicitide is being sought, with the drug included in a program for expedited reviews.

  • 5

    Further research is needed to determine if enlicitide's cholesterol reduction leads to fewer heart attacks and strokes.

Original Source(s)

Merck's experimental pill enlicitide sharply lowered cholesterol in a large study

  • by Lauran Neergaard

  • February 4, 2026

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