FDA approves inclisiran, a twice-yearly injection that lowers cholesterol

Novartis has received FDA approval of inclisiran, a new medication designed to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with just two doses per year.

Inclisiran, sold under the name Leqvio, is given to patients as an initial injection and then a follow-up injection three months later.

“Leqvio is a revolutionary approach to lower LDL-C and creates new possibilities for how healthcare systems can impact cardiovascular disease, a defining public health challenge of our time,” Vas Narasimhan, Novartis CEO, said in a prepared statement. “We now have the opportunity, working together with partners, to provide this first-ever approved LDL-C–lowering siRNA-based therapy to tackle atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) at scale across the United States.”

“People with ASCVD have most likely experienced a heart attack or stroke from high cholesterol, causing a burden on the family and having a negative impact on lives,” added Andrea Baer, executive director of the Mended Hearts, a patient advocacy group. “One of the first steps to improving patients’ health is to manage high cholesterol and we’re encouraged that this new twice-a-year treatment offers a new option.”

Novartis obtained the global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize inclisiran thanks to an agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.  

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

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