# FDA approves cholesterol pill from Merck — retained record

> Retained news record from news:semafor.

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source: [news](https://highsignal.app/data/news) (news:semafor)  published 2026-07-16 22:54 ingested 2026-07-17 08:06

[original source ↗](https://www.semafor.com/article/07/16/2026/fda-approves-cholesterol-pill-from-merck)

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US drug regulators signed off on a new pill designed to lower cholesterol levels far beyond what traditional statins can achieve.
Merck’s Lipfendra achieved similar results to injectable treatments, potentially heralding a new era of easier prevention for people wanting to bring down artery-clogging cholesterol. “This is a game changer,” one cardiologist said, adding that many patients were hesitant to go on the injection treatment.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, so a more powerful and accessible option could help more people manage the risk. Merck could soon have competition in the field: AstraZeneca is also working on a cholesterol pill.
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