Merck Announces Positive Topline Results from Third Phase 3 Trial of Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor Enlicitide in Hypercholesterolemia

On September 2, MSD (MRK.US) announced positive results from the Phase III CORALreef Lipids study of Enlicitide for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. This is the largest Phase III study of Enlicitide completed to date. Previously, the drug had successfully completed two other Phase III studies.

Enlicitide (MK-0616) is an oral cyclic peptide PCSK9 inhibitor developed by MSD. PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9) is primarily expressed in the liver and is an accomplice in the increase of "bad cholesterol" LDL-C. PCSK9 can bind to receptors on the surface of hepatocytes responsible for clearing LDL-C, causing most of the LDL-C to be unabsorbed.