A new oral formulation of a PCSK9-inhibitor, cholesterol-lowering drug in development by Merck has shown encouraging results in a phase 2 study. ACC23 WCCardio
"In this diverse population of hypercholesterolemic patients, all doses of MK-0616 showed superior reduction of LDL vs placebo up to a 60.9% placebo-adjusted reduction from baseline to week 8, which was consistent across subgroups," Ballantyne reported.
"These data support the further development of MK-0616, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor that may improve access to effective LDL-cholesterol lowering therapies and improve attainment of guideline-recommended LDL goals aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk," Ballantyne concluded."The results are encouraging for a phase 3 program that is now being designed."
The current phase 2 study included 381 adult patients with a wide range of ASCVD risk. Average LDL-C level was 119.5 mg/dL at baseline. Around 40% of patients were not taking statins, 35% were on low- to moderate-intensity statin therapy, and 26% were on high-intensity statin therapy.Results showed that all doses of MK-0616 demonstrated statistically significant differences in percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to week 8 vs placebo: -41.2% , -55.7% , -59.1% , and -60.9% .
Ballantyne reported that the efficacy looked similar in all subgroups, and regardless of baseline therapy. "For the last quarter of a century we have had statins available to treat elevated LDL and atherosclerosis and despite that we have many patients who refuse to take statins or are afraid to take statins," she said."This is not about cost as the statins are all available generically now. But many patients claim to be intolerant or unresponsive."
She added:"We are all going to be waiting excitedly for the outcome data with this oral PCSK9 inhibitor."presented at the ACC meeting showed good lipid-lowering results and a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes in statin-intolerant patients with another oral lipid lowering drug, bempedoic acid .
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Diplo Says He's Received Oral Sex From a Man, Might Be GayDiplo says he's received oral sex from a man, and while he doesn't necessarily consider that gay ... he does admit he might be into dudes just a little bit.
Read more »
Big names and shows heading to Tucson this springTucson arts organizations are emerging from the winter season with plenty of works on the calendar. Here's a mega list of what's coming up.
Read more »
Amazon Music Launches New Hip-Hop and Latin Shows: ‘Rotation Roundtable’ and ‘La Semanal Live’Amazon Music has announced the launch of two new weekly flagship music series: the hip-hop-focused “Rotation Roundtable” and the Latin/pop culture show “La Semanal Live.” “Rotation Roundtable,” pre…
Read more »
Video shows hundreds of migrants storm across US-Mexico border bridgeChaotic video shows the moment hundreds of migrants stormed across a major bridge linking Mexico to the US
Read more »
Bitcoin (BTC) up 7%, But Data Shows We Are Not out of Woods YetAmid 7% uptrend, Bitcoin investors must watch crucial resistance point moving forward
Read more »
Majority of young Coloradans are rent-burdened and want rent stabilization, new survey showsNEW: A new survey details how Colorado’s rent prices keep the state’s young residents from seeking medical care, buying groceries and pursuing a college degree — and it found a majority of young Coloradans support rent stabilization policies.
Read more »