Opinion: STAT+: I’m a cardiologist. I’m not sure the new cholesterol drug enlicitide is a game-changer

STAT PlusOpinionThe Workup I’m a cardiologist. I’m not sure the new cholesterol drug enlicitide is a game-changer The FDA’s approval of Lipfendra is reflective of the attention economy driving interests within prevention Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Vishal KhetpalJuly 22, 2026 Khetpal is a preventive cardiologist. A long-awaited moment in preventive cardiology arrived last week, when enlicitide (which Merck is selling under the name Lipfendra) was approved by the FDA to lower blood cholesterol levels. As the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor — powerful cholesterol-lowering medications, that, until now, have only been injectable — enlicitide itself is an impressive achievement. It punctuates a story of pharmaceutical innovation that has glided from the stories of families enrolled in the Dallas Heart Study at the bedside, to drug targets discovered at the lab bench, all ultimately transforming care back at the bedside.Advertisement It also comes at an opportune time. With new clinical guidelines supporting a more aggressive approach to lowering cholesterol levels, enlicitide may be particularly useful for people with either established or at high risk for cardiovascular disease. For the millions of Americans who fit into these groups, it has already been hailed as a game changer. But the story here — of whom it would actually help, and what it implies about prevention today — is more complicated. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In cardiovascular disease, chronic disease, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Vishal Khetpal Newsletter The smartest thinkers in life sciences on what's happening — and what's to come Recommended Opinions+ July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: Hospitals’ AI may be drifting. Who’s watching? First Opinion July 21, 2026 Pete Hegseth, ‘The Odyssey,’ and the testosterone myth Advertisement First Opinion July 21, 2026 How a controversial rule could hurt the NIH’s ability to manage risk First Opinion July 21, 2026 Science and the public are learning the wrong lessons from Covid First Opinion July 20, 2026 My husband’s suicide shows there’s something very wrong with the U.S. insurance industry Subscriber Picks