Experimental cholesterol-lowering pill may offer new option for millions
February 4, 2026
A new kind of pill sharply reduced cholesterol in people at high risk of heart attacks despite taking statins. It’s still experimental but new research published Wednesday suggests Merck’s pill could eventually offer an easier-to-use option for millions. Statins are the mainstay cholesterol-lowering treatment but many need additional drugs, too. Merck is expected to seek approval to sell the new pill, called enlicitide, this year. It blocks cholesterol in a way that today can be done only with injected medicines.