Merck Reports Positive Phase 3 Results for Oral Cholesterol Drug

Key Facts

1Merck’s experimental drug (enlicitide decanoate) reduced LDL-C levels by 64.6%.

2The drug outperformed existing non-statin therapies like bempedoic acid and ezetimibe in the CORALreef AddOn study.

3These results mark the third successful Phase 3 study for the drug, strengthening its position as an oral alternative to injectable treatments.

Merck & Co. announced successful results from its Phase 3 CORALreef AddOn study for its experimental oral PCSK9 inhibitor, enlicitide decanoate. The clinical trial demonstrated that the drug reduced bad cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by a significant 64.6%. Notably, the treatment outperformed existing non-statin oral therapies, including bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. This marks the third successful Phase 3 study for the drug, positioning it as a potent oral alternative to current injectable treatments. Analysts view these results as a major milestone for Merck, potentially paving the way for a blockbuster product in the hypercholesterolemia market. The positive data reinforces the company's competitive edge and its progress toward regulatory approval.