FDA approves another in a new class of cholesterol drugs

New York

THE US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the second drug in a novel class of powerful cholesterol-lowering medications.

The new drug, Repatha, made by Amgen, is intended for people with extremely high cholesterol levels and those with heart disease who cannot sufficiently lower their cholesterol levels with statins and other therapies. Repatha will cost US$14,100 per year.

The two drugs are the first highly effective c…