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Koalas Reveal Ancient Near Extinction, Brain Reboots Context in Attention Shifts, New Genetic Pathway Sparks Epilepsy Hope, FDA Approves AVLAYAH Breakthrough, and more...

Science News Daily

Good morning. It's July 17th and this is your Daily Brief in Science. Here's everything you need to know. Lipfendra, Merck's first non-injectable pill, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in high-risk patients who remain above goal despite statin therapy.

In clinical trials, low-density lipoprotein reductions were substantial, with roughly a 55% drop after six months in one study and about a 59% drop in another, with effects persisting modestly over a year. The approval comes as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the ongoing effort to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to reduce risk.

Lipfendra is priced at $10.50 per day, and insurance coverage varies by plan, raising questions about access. Some patients may pay cash or use platforms like GoodRx, Cost Plus Drugs, or Amazon to reduce out-of-pocket costs, while Merck also offers direct programs or government or manufacturer assistance. In trials, the pill must be taken on an empty stomach and cause dizziness and diarrhea at rates similar to placebo,

with the overall safety profile largely comparable to placebo for those with inherited high cholesterol. The drug adds an oral option to a cholesterol toolkit that has been historically dominated by injectable proprotein-convertase subtilizin-slash-kexin type 9 inhibitors. Merck aims to diversify its portfolio beyond Keytruda as Patentcliffe's approach in 2028, which could affect competition in its oncology lineup.

Lipfendra is expected to hit pharmacies in the coming weeks, and how insurance coverage plays out will likely shape out-of-pocket costs for patients. The story is part of ongoing coverage as scientific journalism notes the development and invites reader engagement while acknowledging the possibility of updates.

Koalas Reveal Ancient Near Extinction, Brain Reboots Context in Attention Shifts, New Genetic Pathway Sparks Epilepsy Hope, FDA Approves AVLAYAH Breakthrough, and more...

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.

Koalas Reveal Ancient Near Extinction, Brain Reboots Context in Attention Shifts, New Genetic Pathway Sparks Epilepsy Hope, FDA Approves AVLAYAH Breakthrough, and more...

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast, not the earnings call.

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.