Pill will protect against heart attack and stroke, no need for vaccine, US-FDA approves first tablet

News India Live, Digital Desk: A big and relief news has come from the world of medical science for crores of people suffering from heart diseases, especially heart attack and stroke. The US Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) has approved the world’s first such tablet (pill), which will help in preventing fatal diseases like heart attack and stroke by replacing injections or vaccines.

Medicines which till now were given through injection, will now be available in pill form, making treatment easier and more convenient for patients than ever before.

Earlier only injection was the option

Until recently, drugs like ‘Inclisiran’, known by the brand name Leqvio, were available to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL-C), which are given as an injection. This medicine has to be administered only two or three times a year, but because it is an injection, many patients were hesitant in taking it. Now with the arrival of similar medicine in tablet form, a new revolution in treatment is expected.

Which medicine has got approval?

The name of the medicine which has been approved by US-FDA is ‘Rybelsus’This medicine was actually already being used for type-2 diabetes patients. But new research and trials have revealed that this medicine is very beneficial not only for blood sugar but also for the heart. It reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke to a great extent.

How does this pill work?

This medication belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, which means it mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body.

1. Reduces inflammation: A major cause of heart attack and stroke is swelling in the arteries. ‘Ribelsus’ reduces this inflammation and oxidative stress.
2. Keeps arteries healthy: This medicine helps in keeping the inner lining of the blood vessels healthy, which ensures proper blood flow and reduces the risk of blood clots.
3. Weight and Sugar Control: Along with improving heart health, this medicine also helps in controlling blood sugar and weight loss.

In a large clinical trial (SOUL trial), it was found that the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke was reduced by 14% in patients taking ‘Ribelsus’.

What does this mean for patients?

The approval of this pill is being considered a major milestone in the prevention of heart diseases. Patients will now have an option that:

• Needle-free.
• Along with protecting the heart, it also controls diabetes and weight.
• And whose effect has been proven in clinical trials.

This approval is a new ray of hope for millions of people who live with the risk of heart attack and stroke every day.