STAT+: Beyond statins, one drug lowered heart attack risk by 20%

STAT PlusHealth Beyond statins, one drug lowered heart attack risk by 20% Real-world evidence study gives Amgen’s Repatha the win Manage alerts for this article Save this story for later Share this article By Elizabeth CooneyNov. 5, 2026 Cardiovascular Disease Reporter Elizabeth Cooney[email protected]Liz covers cardiovascular and metabolic disease, asking why we’re not doing better or even losing ground against the world’s leading killer. Send tips on Signal at LizC.22.

When statins aren’t enough, other cholesterol-lowering drugs come into play. But which one is most effective? Cardiologists looking to help their patients reduce the amount of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol threatening to clog their coronary arteries often consider two long-approved drugs, each acting through a different mechanism delivered by a different route.

A new trial based on real-world evidence pitted the injectable PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab, sold by Amgen as Repatha, against the oral cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe, now generic but previously sold by Merck as Zetia. Advertisement Repatha was the winner. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account?

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