Medical Uses
LIPFENDRA (enlicitide), from Merck (MSD), is an oral proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
Enlicitide is a macrocyclic peptide that binds PCSK9 and inhibits its interaction with LDL receptors. It is the first PCSK9 inhibitor taken by mouth, as a once-daily tablet. In two placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials (CORALreef Lipids and CORALreef HeFH) in 3,207 adults already on maximally tolerated statin therapy, LIPFENDRA lowered LDL-C by a placebo-adjusted 56% and 59% at Week 24.
