Science Explorist

A powerful cholesterol treatment once available only as an injection can now be taken as a daily pill.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Lipfendra (enlicitide), the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor for adults with high LDL cholesterol, including people with the inherited condition heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

PCSK9 is a protein produced mainly by the liver. It reduces the number of LDL receptors available to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. By blocking this protein, Lipfendra allows the liver to clear substantially more LDL—the cholesterol strongly associated with plaque buildup inside arteries.

In two Phase 3 clinical trials involving 3,207 adults, the once-daily pill reduced LDL cholesterol by an average of 56% in high-risk patients and 59% in people with inherited high cholesterol, compared with placebo after 24 weeks. Most participants were already receiving the maximum statin dose they could tolerate.

The larger trial found that adverse reactions occurred at similar rates in the Lipfendra and placebo groups. Among participants with inherited high cholesterol, diarrhea and dizziness were reported more frequently with the medication.

The 20-milligram tablet must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Patients must wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water, black coffee, or plain tea.

Merck is expected to price the medication at approximately $315 for a 30-day supply, although the amount patients actually pay will depend on insurance and assistance programs.

One major question remains: Lipfendra has been proven to lower LDL dramatically, but researchers are still studying whether it directly reduces heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths. Patients should not replace or stop an existing cholesterol medication without consulting their healthcare provider.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Lipfendra Prescribing Information; Merck CORALreef Phase 3 clinical program.

A deadly pneumonia outbreak in New York City has now claimed five lives—and investigators found live bacteria inside dozens of building cooling towers.

The Legionnaires’ disease cluster has affected Manhattan’s Upper East Side, particularly Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. According to the latest NYC Health Department update, 82 people have tested positive, eight remain hospitalized, and five have died.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It usually spreads when people inhale microscopic droplets released from contaminated water systems—not through ordinary contact with an infected person. Cooling towers, fountains, hot tubs, and complex building water systems can create conditions where the bacteria multiply.

Investigators tested 183 cooling towers across 160 buildings. Live Legionella bacteria were confirmed in 34 towers at 33 buildings, all of which have since been cleaned and disinfected. However, officials caution that a tower testing positive does not automatically prove it caused the outbreak.

Encouragingly, no new cases had been diagnosed for six days, and no one had reported new symptoms for more than ten days as of July 21—suggesting the exposure may have ended.

Anyone who has lived, worked, or visited ZIP codes 10028, 10075, or 10128 since late June should contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, or difficulty breathing. Symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure. People over 50, smokers or va**rs, and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems face the greatest risk.

Officials emphasize that residents can still safely drink tap water, shower, cook, and use ordinary home air-conditioning units. The outbreak was not linked to residential plumbing.

Source: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Sarnoff, L. (July 20, 2026), ABC News. Figures updated using official NYC data released July 21, 2026.