Key points
- Leqvio outperforms statins in trials
- Fewer muscle side effects reported
- 85pc met cholesterol targets with Leqvio
ISLAMABAD: A new cholesterol-lowering injection, Leqvio, administered just twice a year, could transform the treatment of heart disease, according to its developers.
Leqvio, also known as inclisiran and developed by Novartis, has shown in new trial data that it helps patients reach their target cholesterol levels more quickly than standard therapies. Importantly, it also appears to reduce the risk of muscle pain — a common side effect of statins, according to The Independent.
Groundbreaking cholesterol jab could revolutionise heart disease care https://t.co/5uS2BQOFiI pic.twitter.com/UFgwiTwuIZ
— The Independent (@Independent) August 31, 2025
Cholesterol is a fatty substance made by the liver and found in some foods. It exists as “good” cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol, and “bad” cholesterol, which can build up in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Statins are currently the most widely prescribed medication for high cholesterol on the NHS, usually taken daily for life. They lower the body’s cholesterol production but often come with side effects, particularly muscle pain.
Targeting genetic material
Leqvio works differently, by targeting genetic material to limit the production of a protein that raises bad cholesterol levels. It is given as an initial injection, followed by another at three months, and then every six months.
The V-DIFFERENCE trial, conducted by Novartis, involved 898 patients receiving Leqvio alongside a high-intensity statin and other lipid-lowering therapies tailored to individual needs. A second group of 872 patients received a placebo injection but were given the same statin and supporting treatments.
After 90 days, 85 per cent of those on Leqvio achieved their cholesterol targets, compared to 31 per cent in the placebo group.
Ruchira Glaser, global head of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic development at Novartis, said: “Novartis is dedicated to tackling the most challenging problems in cardiovascular disease. These results highlight the potential of Leqvio to transform cardiovascular care by improving meaningful patient outcomes.”
Muscle-related side effects
The trial also evaluated muscle-related side effects. Patients receiving Leqvio were 43 per cent less likely to experience muscle issues than those in the placebo group.
Professor Ulf Landmesser of the German Heart Centre at Charité Berlin said: “These findings are significant as they demonstrate effective options for lipid management improvement in patients at risk, a majority of whom continue to remain above recommended LDL-C levels.”
According to the NHS Health Survey for England, 53 per cent of adults had high cholesterol in 2022 — a rise from 43 per cent in 2019. The condition was more prevalent among women (56 per cent) than men (49 per cent).
The findings will be presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid.
