Late‑stage and early‑stage results surfaced this week that intensify competition in lipid‑lowering therapies. Merck reported Phase‑3 data showing its oral PCSK9 inhibitor (enlicitide) cut LDL cholesterol by up to 60% and produced a ≥50% reduction in two‑thirds of participants—figures approaching those achieved by injectable monoclonal antibodies. The trial enrolled ~2,900 high‑risk patients and met its lipid‑lowering objectives. Separately, an early human study from CRISPR Therapeutics showed a one‑time gene‑editing approach produced dramatic reductions in LDL and triglycerides in a small cohort, while raising questions about liver toxicity and long‑term safety. These results—presented at major cardiology meetings and in NEJM/STAT coverage—underscore diverging modalities: oral small molecules, injectables, and permanent gene edits. (Clarification: PCSK9 inhibitors lower LDL by increasing hepatic LDL receptor recycling.)