In a Nutshell
- A new pill called Enlicitide could dramatically lower “bad” cholesterol — by more than 50%.
- It’s designed to work like injectable drugs but without the needle or high price tag.
- Early studies show results similar to popular PCSK9 shots like Repatha and Praluent.
- The once-a-day pill was safe, well-tolerated, and worked even for people who can’t take statins.
- If approved, it could simplify cholesterol management for millions of older adults.
For years, the only way to get the powerful cholesterol-lowering benefits of PCSK9 drugs was through expensive injections — not exactly a convenient option for retirees juggling multiple prescriptions.
That could soon change.
Merck has announced new clinical results for an experimental pill called Enlicitide, which cut LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by nearly 56% in just six months — about the same level of reduction doctors see with PCSK9 injections.
The difference? You swallow it once a day.
Why this matters to older adults
Heart disease remains the #1 killer of Americans over 65, and high LDL cholesterol is one of its biggest drivers. While statins like Lipitor or Crestor are mainstays, not everyone can tolerate them — especially older adults who develop muscle pain, weakness, or memory issues.
Until now, the backup options were costly PCSK9 shots like Repatha or Praluent, which must be injected every few weeks and can cost hundreds per month without insurance help. Many seniors skipped them entirely because of the price or inconvenience.
If Enlicitide is approved, it could eliminate the needle and cut treatment costs, potentially helping millions of older adults finally get their cholesterol under control.
Study highlights
In a large international trial called CORALreef Lipids, more than 2,900 adults with heart disease or at high risk were given either a daily Enlicitide pill or a placebo. After six months:
- LDL cholesterol dropped by about 56%, and the effect lasted through one year.
- “Good” cholesterol and other key heart-risk markers also improved.
- The pill’s side-effect rate was similar to placebo — meaning no more problems than a sugar pill.
Nearly two-thirds of participants reached aggressive cholesterol goals that most statin users never achieve.
“Despite statins and injectable drugs, most heart patients still aren’t at target cholesterol levels,” said Dr. Ann Marie Navar of UT Southwestern Medical Center, who presented the findings at the 2025 American Heart Association conference. “Enlicitide could close that gap.”
What happens next
Merck says it will soon submit its data to the FDA and other health regulators worldwide. If cleared, Enlicitide would be the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor — a major milestone in cardiovascular medicine.
For seniors managing multiple medications or those tired of injection schedules, the drug could mark a turning point in everyday heart care.
💰 Price Watch: What Will the New Heart Pill Cost?
(It’s too early to tell — but here’s what we know so far.)
Merck hasn’t released pricing for Enlicitide, its once-a-day cholesterol pill that could replace costly injections. The drug is still under FDA review, so no one — not even insurance companies — has official numbers yet.
What we do know:
- Today’s PCSK9 injectables — Repatha and Praluent — cost about $5,800–$6,000 per year before insurance.
- Merck says Enlicitide will be “low cost to manufacture” and designed for “broad access.”
- Analysts expect launch pricing below the injectables, but exact figures aren’t available yet.
It’s too early to tell, but… If Enlicitide lands closer to a few thousand dollars a year, it could make strong cholesterol control far more affordable — especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
What to watch next:
- FDA decision timing (likely 2026)
- Where it lands on Medicare Part D formularies
- Whether discount platforms like Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs eventually carry it
Smart Senior Daily will update readers as soon as pricing becomes public.
The bottom line for older adults
Heart disease accounts for nearly one in three deaths in Americans over 65. Even small advances in lowering LDL can translate into fewer heart attacks, strokes, and hospital stays.
If Enlicitide passes regulatory review, talk to your doctor about whether it could fit into your treatment plan — especially if you’ve had trouble with statins or dislike injections.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
