local
FDA approves a first-of-its-kind pill to cut cholesterol in high-risk patients
By Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 3 min read
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-its-kind pill that can drastically reduce cholesterol in a way that’s previously only been available with expensive, injectable drugs.
The drug from Merck was OK’d on Thursday for patients with artery-clogging cholesterol ...
Key takeaway It’s the first noninjectable medication that works by blocking a liver protein called PCSK9.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Minneapolis residents with high-risk cholesterol profiles may soon have a new treatment option, as the FDA's approval of Merck's Lipfendra pill could increase access to effective cholesterol management. Given the high prevalence of heart disease in the Twin Cities area, a more affordable oral medication that can drastically reduce LDL cholesterol levels could be a significant boon for local patients. Many Minneapolis residents already taking statins may be able to benefit from adding Lipfendra to their treatment, potentially reducing their risk of heart attacks and strokes. Local healthcare providers will likely be watching to see how insurance coverage and pricing for the new medication develop, as these factors will determine how widely available it is to patients in the community. As the rollout of Lipfendra begins, Minneapolis medical professionals may need to reassess treatment protocols for patients with high cholesterol, potentially leading to improved outcomes for those struggling with the condition.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-its-kind pill that can drastically reduce cholesterol in a way that’s previously only been available with expensive, injectable drugs.
The drug from Merck was OK’d on Thursday for patients with artery-clogging cholesterol ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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