Twice-a-year injection may help lower cholesterol

Written by Mohan Garikiparithi
Published on

Twice-a-year injection may help lower cholesterolCholesterol-lowering remedies may soon be available in the form of a twice-a-year injection. Researchers are currently testing this injectable cholesterol-lowering drug called Inclisiran. The researchers found this drug helps lower LDL cholesterol by half or more. Based on clinical studies, the effects of the injection could last between four and six months.

Before Inclisiran can be made available for public use, it must undergo another clinical trial and then get approved by the FDA. Currently, cholesterol treatment involves the use of daily pills known as statins.

The researchers found combining Inclisiran with statins known as PCKS9 inhibitors brings LDL levels to much lower levels, which could help improve prevention of stroke, heart disease, and heart attack.

Inclisiran makes the liver flush out greater amounts of LDL cholesterol by blocking PCKS9 protein. Previous treatment using PCKS9 inhibitors are often expensive and require 12 to 24 injections a year. The twice-a-year injection of Inclisiran offers a much more convenient treatment option at a cheaper price.
Although the clinical trial thus far has shown great reductions in arterial plaque, it is unclear whether the risk of stroke and heart attack is reduced. The researchers must still wait for these results in clinical trials.

As with any drug, some side effects have been reported, which included muscle aches, headache, fatigue, back pain, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Although it may be some time before an injectable cholesterol-lowering drug is made widely available, it does give hope that we are getting closer in improving cholesterol control.


Related Reading:

Natural cholesterol reducers: Alternative foods and therapies to lower cholesterol

Cholesterol deposits around the eyes: Causes and natural remedies

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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