An experimental tablet taken once a day has cut levels of 'bad' cholesterol by around 60% and could save millions from heart attacks and strokes.

The pill has just passed a large phase three trial, which saw the biggest drop in LDL cholesterol ever seen with an oral drug since statins were introduced.

The medicine, called enlicitide, works in the same way powerful cholesterol‑lowering injections do, but in pill form. Researchers say it could make life far easier for patients who struggle to hit cholesterol targets even on high‑dose statins.

Lead investigator Dr Ann Marie Navar, a cardiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Centre, said: “Fewer than half of patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease currently reach LDL cholesterol goals.

"An oral therapy this effective has the potential to dramatically improve our ability to prevent heart attacks and strokes on a population level."

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According to The New England Journal of Medicine, almost 3,000 people participated in the trial, most of whom were already taking statins but still had elevated LDL.

After 24 weeks, those on enlicitide had about 60% lower LDL than those on placebo, and the benefits held steady over a year.

LDL cholesterol clogs arteries over time, driving heart attacks and strokes.

A once‑daily pill could remove a big barrier to treatment and widen access, especially for those who struggle to attend clinics or store and self‑inject medicines.

Many patients, including people who work long hours, find it hard to get to target even with the strongest statins - whether because of side‑effects, limits of the drugs, or the extra hassle of injections.

Enlicitide is still experimental and will need regulatory approval before doctors in the UK can prescribe it.

A further trial is underway to confirm whether the sharp LDL reductions translate into fewer heart attacks and strokes, not just better numbers on a lab test.