New cholesterol-lowering drug will be available in the UK to save 30,000 lives

New cholesterol-lowering drug will be available in the UK to save 30,000 lives
September 1, 2021, 2:38 am

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The Sky News reported, hundreds of thousands of people in the UK will soon have access to a cholesterol-lowering drug that could save 30,000 lives within the next decade.

According to the Sky News, the NHS will make the treatment available to 300,000 patients with high cholesterol and a history of cardiovascular disease over the next three years.

Bosses say, the number of people benefiting from the new medication, inclisiran, could rise to nearly half a million beyond that initial period.

The Sky News mentioned, the drug, which could prevent about 55,000 heart attacks and strokes, is delivered as an injection twice a year and can be used alongside existing treatments like statins.

It said, heart disease is the world's biggest killer and accounts for a quarter of all deaths in England each year, claiming about 140,000 lives.

It added, more than 40% of people in the nation have high cholesterol, which puts them at significant risk of developing heart disease.

About 6.5 million adults in England are currently taking drugs for the condition.

Inclisiran will be administered as an injection in GP surgeries rather than hospitals to make it more convenient for patients.

After the first dose, the treatment will be given again after three months and then twice a year.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the "life-saving new treatment will make a difference to hundreds of thousands of people across England", and he added: "This is a huge step forward in tackling the scourge of heart disease, which tragically kills thousands every year."

Source: skynews

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