Merck presented pivotal Phase 3 data showing its oral PCSK9 inhibitor reduced LDL cholesterol by about 59.7% versus placebo in key trials presented at the American Heart Association. The CORALreef program—including a trial in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia—met primary endpoints, and a re‑analysis corrected baseline data errors to provide the near‑60% estimate. Analysts see an oral PCSK9 as a structural advantage over injectable biologics because of easier storage, dosing and primary‑care adoption. Leerink and others highlighted the drug’s potential to convert patients reluctant to use injectables. PCSK9 inhibitors block the PCSK9 protein to increase LDL receptor recycling and lower circulating LDL-C levels, a core mechanism well understood in lipid management.