Investorsยท2025-11-08 19:30Core Insights - Merck's new oral cholesterol-lowering pill, enlicitide, has shown a nearly 60% reduction in LDL cholesterol, positioning it as a potential competitor in the $47 billion cholesterol treatment market by 2033 [2][4]. Group 1: Product Development and Efficacy - Enlicitide works by blocking the PCSK9 protein, which is linked to elevated LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular issues [2]. - In a study involving 2,912 patients who could not achieve LDL goals with traditional treatments, enlicitide demonstrated a 55.8% greater reduction in LDL cholesterol compared to placebo, with a placebo-adjusted reduction of 59.7% after excluding an outlier [4]. - Other cardiovascular risk factors, including total cholesterol and markers like ApoB and Lp(a), also decreased, and enlicitide's safety profile was comparable to that of the placebo [5]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Merck plans to seek FDA approval for enlicitide in early 2026, aiming to compete with injectable PCSK9 inhibitors like Repatha and Praluent, which have historically faced challenges in market adoption [5]. - Repatha's sales increased by 40% year-over-year to $794 million, while Praluent's sales rose nearly 13% to $215.7 million in the third quarter, indicating a strong market presence for these injectable treatments [6]. Group 3: Patient Accessibility and Usage - Enlicitide is designed to be more accessible, requiring patients to fast for 30 minutes before taking the pill, with 97% of patients able to comply with this requirement [7]. - The ease of use and safety profile of enlicitide could significantly impact public health by providing a viable treatment option for a broader range of patients [8].