Merck presented Phase 3 data showing its once‑daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor produced LDL cholesterol reductions up to 60% in patients already on statins, matching reductions historically seen with injectable monoclonal antibodies. The 2,900‑patient trial reported two‑thirds of participants achieved at least a 50% LDL decrease, meeting a long‑sought objective for an oral alternative. Separately, Amgen’s long‑marketed PCSK9 antibody Repatha showed a 25% reduction in major cardiovascular events when added to standard therapy in high‑risk patients without prior heart attack or stroke, reinforcing the clinical benefit of aggressive LDL lowering. Together, the results signal accelerating therapeutic competition in LDL lowering across oral, injectable, and gene‑editing approaches, with potential to change prescribing patterns and payer negotiations for cardiovascular prevention.